Career Averages - Jimmy Crute
Career Averages - Alonzo Menifield
Jimmy Crute
Alonzo Menifield
Jimmy Crute - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 12 of 16 | 75% | 12 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 2:08 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 12 of 16 | 75% | 12 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 2:08 |
| Ivan Erslan | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 12 of 16 | 75% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
| Ivan Erslan | 10 of 14 | 71% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 12 of 16 | 75% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 8 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
| Ivan Erslan | 10 of 14 | 71% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Jimmy Crute over Ivan Erslan, believing Crute is the better fighter everywhere except one-punch knockout power. He notes Crute's wrestling and submissions, and that Erslan is knockout-or-bust. He is surprised by the line tightening and attributes it to Crute's mullet, not his skills. He may bet on Crute if the line continues to collapse.
Big Brady picks Ivan Erslan to win by first-round KO. He criticizes Crute's poor striking defense and worries about his chin. He notes Erslan has solid power and striking, and if Crute refuses to grapple, Erslan can knock him out. He acknowledges Crute could get a submission if he gets top position.
Cody picks Crute but acknowledges his inconsistency and durability issues. He believes Crute's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are good enough to take down Erslan, who is rudimentary and low-output. He worries about Crute's chin and tendency to tire, but thinks Erslan won't push a pace to exploit that.
Connor picks Crute on the slim hope that his submission grappling will be the difference if the fight goes past the first round. He acknowledges that both fighters are first-round specialists, but Crute has a more complete game with submission wins. Connor is hesitant because Crute's cardio and tendency to fall apart are major concerns, but he thinks Crute's grappling could catch Erslan off guard.
James picks the underdog Ivan Erslan, believing he is the better boxer with superior cardio. He criticizes Jimmy Crute's recent performance, calling him overrated and noting his wrestling is overrated and his takedowns are poor. He also mentions Crute's mental health issues and past damage as concerns. James thinks Erslan can defend takedowns and outwork Crute on the feet, making him a live dog at +200.
James picks Ivan Erslan as an underdog, citing Crute's tendency to fade after round one and Erslan's superior cardio and boxing. He notes Erslan has been competitive in his UFC losses and that the line was favorable at +200 when he bet. He believes Erslan can win by outworking Crute in later rounds.
The host notes Crute finally won after five years and thinks this is a perfect matchup for him to gain momentum. He expects Crute to use his reckless striking to set up a takedown and then snatch a submission.
The Guru picks Jimmy Crute, despite his past struggles, because he sees no talent in Ivan Erslan. He believes Crute's grappling will be the difference, allowing him to take Erslan down and secure a submission in round one or two.
Zane picks Erslan, believing that Erslan's ability to stay on his feet and throw punches later in the fight will be key. He notes that Crute tends to fall apart after the first round, often flopping to his back in desperation. Zane thinks Erslan is more likely to survive the early onslaught and then outwork Crute in the later rounds, as Crute's cardio and composure are questionable.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 37 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 2:18 |
| Marcin Prachnio | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 37 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Marcin Prachnio | 21 of 36 | 58% | 7 of 21 | 9 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 28 | 6 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Marcin Prachnio | 21 of 36 | 58% | 7 of 21 | 9 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 28 | 6 of 6 | 2 of 2 |
Angelo picks Jimmy Crute despite his long winless streak, because Marcin Prachnio has poor ground game and Crute is a good wrestler. He notes Crute's recent retirement and poor mindset, but believes the gap on the ground is enough for Crute to win. He is hesitant due to Crute's mental state.
Big Brady believes Jimmy Crute should dominate Marcin Prachnio, citing Crute's easier UFC fight to date. He notes Prachnio's poor cardio, no ground game, and chin issues. He predicts Crute wins by first-round submission, though he acknowledges Crute's past bad fight IQ.
The host acknowledges Crute is flaky and inconsistent, and Prachnio is capable of pulling off the upset. However, he thinks Crute will utilize his aggressiveness, land a big shot, and follow up with a submission. The pick is hesitant due to Crute's inconsistency.
The MMA Guru picks Marcin Prachnio over Jimmy Crute, despite some hesitation. He criticizes Crute's footwork, saying he fights like he's stepping on Legos, and notes that Crute has problems with low kicks, as seen against Anthony Smith. Prachnio is described as a slick striker with good low kicks, and the Guru believes he will not get outmuscled on the ground. However, he acknowledges the possibility of Crute submitting him, but ultimately goes with Prachnio based on striking superiority.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 1 | 106 of 209 | 50% | 139 of 247 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:52 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 89 of 141 | 63% | 95 of 148 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 1 | 27 of 47 | 57% | 59 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:52 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 4 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 46 of 95 | 48% | 46 of 95 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 48 of 70 | 68% | 48 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 33 of 67 | 49% | 34 of 68 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 0 | 40 of 66 | 60% | 43 of 70 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 106 of 209 | 50% | 93 of 190 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 9 | 77 of 170 | 11 of 13 | 18 of 26 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 89 of 141 | 63% | 36 of 76 | 24 of 29 | 29 of 36 | 85 of 136 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 27 of 47 | 57% | 23 of 42 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 26 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jimmy Crute | 46 of 95 | 48% | 40 of 85 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 6 | 39 of 86 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 48 of 70 | 68% | 18 of 35 | 14 of 16 | 16 of 19 | 44 of 65 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jimmy Crute | 33 of 67 | 49% | 30 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Rodolfo Bellato | 40 of 66 | 60% | 18 of 38 | 9 of 11 | 13 of 17 | 40 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Bellato (-162), Crute (+136)
Round 1
After a few losses and a short-lived retirement announcement, Australia’s own Crute (12-4-1, 4-4-1 UFC) is back and ready to lift his promotional record above .500. He draws a tough rising test as he tries to get his hand raised for the first time since 2020, with the surging Bellato (12-2, 1-0 UFC) ready for action. The light heavyweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Marc Goddard, who minds the particulars for as long as this match lasts. Gloves are touched, and Bellato takes the center of the cage. Crute tosses out a few half-hearted low kicks and takes a punch square in the chest while setting up. A heavier low kick is countered by a Bellato scooping left hook, and Crute gives him something to think about with a spin kick to the ribs. Bellato wraps up his opponent and wrangles him to the mat, only to fall on his back in a failed sacrifice throw. Crute fights off the scramble and find himself in half guard, and he shifts to side control. Bellato turns to his stomach in an effort to escape, and Crute wraps up a brabo choke to twist Bellato to his back again. Crute jams down heavy punches, and Bellato throws his legs up for any submission or trap he can find. Crute pushes through an upkick to drive down more punishment, and two big elbows from the Aussie get the attention of “Trator.” Crute stays a step ahead of the Brazilian, landing big ground-and-pound when not staying tightly pressed on his opponent to keep him trapped. Bellato turns and sweeps his man, but Crute is right there in front of him ready to bust him in the face. Bellato shakes it off, but Crute is a man on a mission and slugs the Brazilian in the face with a nasty right hand. Bellato falls over, and Crute pounces in hopes of drumming him out. The finish does not materialize, and Bellato survives to the second round with a bit of blood drawn.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Crute
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Crute
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-8 Crute
Round 2
The fighters high-five to get going in the second round, and Crute feels the momentum behind him and puts it on Bellato. Crute walks Bellato down, smashing him in the face and drawing some swelling beneath his left eye. Bellato’s counters are effective but his hands are lower, his pace waning and his power sapping. The Brazilian kicks the front leg a few times, and Crute splits the guard with a one-two. Crute shoots for a takedown, Bellato gets out of it, and “The Brute” tries a second time to no effect. When he cannot get the fight down, Crute elects to spin kick Bellato in the ribs. Both men stand in the pocket and trade, not the best strategy for light heavyweights that can crack, but Bellato is getting his chances to land. Bellato drives three punches through the raised guard, and he bounces back from a long strike to blast Crute in the face with a short but powerful right hook. Crute is showing signs of fatigue as well, but he surges into action shortly thereafter to drill Bellato with several uppercuts from close range. Bellato backs him off with an overhand right, and he no-sells a body shot so he can bash “The Brute” in the face with his fists. Crute fires off one-twos that bloody up Bellato’s nose, and both men might show fatigue but are still eager and willing to trade. Crute takes two leg kicks, the second nearly stripping him of his balance. Rather than attack the leg, Bellato spins with a failed wheel kick. Crute answers him with a wheel kick that also does not land, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bellato
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bellato
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Crute
Round 3
After 10 minutes of combat, both men are bloodied and bruised, figuratively and literally. Bellato swings for the bleachers, and he clips Crute with every third or four strike he manages to get off. Bellato chews up the front leg with kicks, and Crute limps around gingerly. A takedown shot from Crute strips Bellato off his feet, only for Bellato to climb back up undeterred. Bellato slaps at the calf again, takes a one-two on the chin and just misses a whizzing back fist. Crute tries to check a low kick, and the two get in a short but torrid brawl. Crute lunges his way into attack, and Bellato backs him away with counters. A right hand from Crute stings his man for the umpteenth time, and Bellato’s chin is made of sterner stuff as he ducks another big strike to hit a clean takedown. Crute gets to his hands and feet when he turns over, and Bellato wrenches him back down. Crute slowly crawls in hopes of standing, and Bellato lets him back up so they can bang it out with about a minute and 45 seconds to go. Crute sneaks a head kick behind a left hand, and Bellato has his guard up in time for both strikes. The Brazilian chops at the front calf, and Crute keeps a stiff upper lip and steps in to knee Bellato in the face. A right-to-head-kick combo from Crute ricochets off the guard again, but a one-two after it lands flush. Bellato keeps working the front leg over with kicks any time he can find an opening, and he keeps Crute honest by swinging with everything he has left. Crute tanks the heavy stuff, absorbs a flush knee and sticks his tongue out. Crute slaps Bellato in the face with an open palm, and the back-and-forth scrap comes to an end. It could go either way, and a draw could be in play.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Bellato (29-28 Bellato)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Bellato (28-28)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Bellato (29-27 Crute)
The Official Result
Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato is Ruled a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Big Brady is taking a chance on Jimmy Crute, who is returning from retirement. He acknowledges Crute's poor fight IQ and chin issues but believes Crute is more skilled than Bellato. He notes that Bellato has a questionable chin and was nearly finished by Ehor Pia. Brady predicts Crute will win by first-round knockout, similar to his win over Modestas Bukauskas.
Connor picks Crute, believing he is the better fighter and can knock Bellato out. He thinks Bellato is slow and hittable. However, he acknowledges Crute's thoughtlessness and tendency to latch onto one idea. He notes that if Bellato survives the first round, Crute might fade. But he sticks with Crute, calling it a well-booked fight for him.
Daniel Levi discusses Jimmy Crute's return after a religious conversion, wondering if it will reinvigorate him or soften him like Rory McDonald. He notes that Rodolfo Bellato is a tough, aggressive fighter who will make Crute fight. However, he does not pick a winner, only expressing curiosity about which version of Crute shows up.
The host does not believe in Crute enough to pick the upset. Bellato will dictate the pace with his striking, stop Crute's takedowns, and eventually slow him down and beat him. The pick is for Bellato to win by knockout.
Zane picks Bellato, citing momentum and Crute's mental state. He notes that Crute is on a three-fight losing streak and seems dispirited. Bellato is imposing, aggressive, and doesn't lose his cool. Zane thinks if Crute doesn't finish Bellato early, Bellato will wear him down. He acknowledges Crute could knock Bellato out in the first round, but doubts Crute's confidence.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 26 of 53 | 49% | 32 of 59 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 31 of 43 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 15 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:40 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 1 of 16 | 6% | 1 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 26 of 53 | 49% | 5 of 30 | 19 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 31 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 21 of 36 | 58% | 18 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 25 of 37 | 67% | 4 of 14 | 19 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 15 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 11 of 16 | 68% | 8 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 1 of 16 | 6% | 1 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Menifield but calls it a 50/50 fight and advises against betting. He notes Menifield's power and takedown defense, and that Crute was surprised by his power in the first fight. He thinks Crute will be hesitant due to being dropped twice, but acknowledges Crute could win if he avoids the power and gets takedowns. He avoids this fight with money.
Big Brady picks Alonzo Menifield to win by first-round knockout. He notes that in their first fight, Menifield had success in the first round, hurting Crute badly, but Crute survived due to weak ground and pound and Menifield gassing. He believes Menifield will land a big shot and knock out Crute, especially given Crute's poor striking defense (45%) and low fight IQ. He cautions that if Mark Goddard is the referee, the fight might not be stopped early.
Cody leans toward Menifield but says the price is accurate as a pick'em. He notes Menifield was winning the first fight until a point deduction led to a draw. He thinks Menifield's power and explosiveness are threats. He is not betting the fight.
Connor picks Menifield because he did so much damage to Crute in their first fight that Crute may not survive that again. Crute's hyper-aggressive approach forces him to walk into fire, and Menifield's power is a constant threat. However, Menifield's cardio and grappling are weaknesses, but Crute's lack of defense makes Menifield the pick.
Daniel Levi picks Crute, arguing that there is a market overcorrection after their draw. He notes that Crute took Menifield down six times in their first fight and believes that with adjustments, Crute can control the fight on the ground. Levi points out that Menifield now trains with Pat Berry, which may improve his striking but likely not his takedown defense. He expects Crute to be more measured this time, using top control and ground-and-pound to secure a win. Levi bet Crute at minus-104 and is confident in the pick.
James does not make a clear pick on the winner, calling the fight too volatile to bet. He sees value on Crute by decision at +600, as he thinks Crute can win via wrestling and decision, but he is not confident enough to bet it. He breaks down the fight: Menifield's win equity is heavily in the KO, while Crute has multiple paths (decision, submission, KO). He caps Crute around -140 but the line at -110 is not enough edge given the volatility.
Crute has a grappling advantage and can take Menifield down and control him on the ground. Menifield has knockout power but slows down as fights progress. Crute will be methodical, avoid getting clipped, and grind out a decision victory. The over 2.5 rounds is also a good play.
Paul picks Crute, noting he is younger and coming off a long layoff with ring rust now gone. He thinks Crute's takedowns will be effective and Menifield's cardio is poor. He expects Crute to make adjustments and win by grinding him down. He mentions Menifield's tendency to fade.
The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute, changing his initial opinion after rewatching the first fight. He believes Crute's early guillotine attempt cost him dominant position, and if he stays patient and focuses on positional control, he can win. He predicts a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Zane picks Menifield because he is a better athlete and can absolutely wreck Crute with a few punches, as he did in their first fight. Crute is reckless and aggressive but not durable, and Menifield's power and violence should overwhelm him again. However, Menifield's poor cardio and grappling control make it a volatile fight, but Crute has no safe places in his game.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 31 of 62 | 50% | 62 of 103 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 3 | 0 | 7:55 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 2 | 56 of 83 | 67% | 99 of 127 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 13 of 29 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 1 | 0 | 2:31 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 23 of 28 | 82% | 36 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:32 | |
| 2 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 20 of 37 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 2 | 0 | 1:30 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 25 of 38 | 65% | 35 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:23 | |
| 3 | Jimmy Crute | 0 | 11 of 13 | 84% | 29 of 37 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 3:54 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 28 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 31 of 62 | 50% | 27 of 58 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 54 | 5 of 5 | 3 of 3 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 56 of 83 | 67% | 53 of 80 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 42 of 67 | 4 of 4 | 10 of 12 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 10 of 26 | 38% | 8 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 23 of 28 | 82% | 22 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 9 of 10 | |
| 2 | Jimmy Crute | 10 of 23 | 43% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 20 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 25 of 38 | 65% | 23 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 33 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 2 | |
| 3 | Jimmy Crute | 11 of 13 | 84% | 10 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 8 of 17 | 47% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Crute (-120), Menifield (+100)
Round 1
Sticking to the light heavyweight division, albeit with a contest that has immediate implications on the rankings, the UFC will run back a fight that ended by contentious majority draw in February. Surviving an early onslaught and the benefactor of a point deduction, Crute (12-3-1, 4-3-1 UFC) hopes to get back in the win column for the first time since 2020. Standing in his way once again will be the powerful Menifield (13-3-1, 6-3-1 UFC), who is aching to put Crute away in his second try. Whether he does or not, referee Mark Smith will be here for it. There is no ill will between the two combatants, and they bump fists before engaging. The two are cautious to engage in the early going, with Crute looking for his range with a front kick and a punch. When Crute kicks low, Menifield pierces the guard with a straight right hand. Menifield sits down on a low kick of his own, and he rails Crute with a one-two that sends him reeling. Crute scampers back upright after spinning around from the power punches, and he fakes a level change and drops his hands to encourage Menifield to come at him. Menifield does not engage, instead allowing Crute to jab him in the face. Menifield looks to go after another overhand right when Crute kicks him in the calf, and he misses the mark by a matter of inches. Menifield catches Crute with a right hand, stops a takedown in its tracks, and pushes his foe against the wall. Crute looks to trip him down, and Menifield is warned for grabbing the fence. Crute lines up a slew of knees to the body as the two jockey for position, and Crute grips a standing guillotine but cannot rope it around the neck before Menifield pulls it free. Menifield looks for a left hand from up close, and he stands up Crute when Crute goes for another takedown. The guillotine choke again from Crute fails, and he puts two knees to the body before Menifield pushes off and blasts Crute in the face with a right hand. Menifield punches his way back into the clinch, and Crute tries with all his might to secure a takedown. Menifield thwarts a double and then a single that comes chained after it, and he eats an unexpected knee to the nose from up close. Menifield is warned to work, and is then warned for striking the back of the head when he throws a punch. Crute tries one more odd-angled guillotine, and they trade knees and position right to the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 2
The two meet in the middle of the cage, and Menifield darts forward with a shovel left hook. Crute hops back and narrowly evades taking a right hook flush on the jaw. Crute pokes out a few jabs, and he draws out a huge haymaker from his opponent. Menifield swings for the fences, and he misses as Crute is lighter on his feet. Menifield blocks a high kick to ring a right hand on the cheek, and Crute shakes it off and gets his head snapped back from a jab. The two trade jabs, and they go strike for strike with one another. Menifield nails the Aussie with a big right hand, and Crute shoots in for a double that he completes. Menifield fights his way back to his feet, and he backs himself up against the wall.
“The Brute” attacks a single-leg takedown, and Menifield snatches up a guillotine choke and turns the corner. Using the power submission to his advantage, Menifield pushes Crute to the mat and moves right into mount. The grip is vice-like and it is not only choking Crute but also cranking his neck, and Crute is shocked. After just a few seconds, Crute surrenders.
When the fight is over, Crute shakes his head with frustration, and he frantically paws at the tape on his gloves. Getting them unwrapped, the 27-year-old puts them on the floor as if to signal his retirement. On the other hand, that marks 13 finishes across the 14 victories for the Texan, who self-censors himself on the post-fight interview with comical expressions like “Oh Snickers.”
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Jimmy Crute R2 1:55 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo picks Alonzo Menifield, despite acknowledging his sloppy striking, because of his excellent takedown defense and power. He expects Jimmy Crute to grapple early, but Menifield's 85% takedown defense should hold up, allowing him to land big shots. He has a small bet on Menifield at +185 and will include him in a Monkey Knife Fight knockout entry.
Big Brady picks the underdog Menifield, citing Crute's poor fight IQ and Menifield's explosive power and takedown defense. He thinks if Crute tries to strike, Menifield can knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout for Menifield but admits he loses money on both fighters.
Cody picks Crute but with low confidence due to Crute's long layoff and knee injury. He notes Crute has great skills but is hittable and durability is a question. He sees Menifield as a live underdog with power and decent takedown defense. He thinks Crute's path is takedowns and control, but Menifield could land a big shot.
Connor picks Crute, noting that Menifield tends to shut down when pressured. He highlights that Crute's aggressive, high-volume style will overwhelm Menifield, who lacks defensive depth and counter-punching ability. Connor also mentions that Crute's wrestling and kicks will create opportunities, and that Menifield's poor reactions to getting hit will be exploited. He acknowledges Crute's flaws but sees Menifield's mental fragility as a bigger issue.
Crute's kicking game and cardio will be key. He can stay on the outside and avoid Menifield's power. Menifield slows down in later rounds and has poor cardio. Crute's BJJ is a threat if it goes to the ground, but he likely keeps it standing and outpoints Menifield. Crute has made life changes and looks in phenomenal shape. Menifield's only path is an early KO, but Crute's movement and kicks should neutralize that.
Paul took Menifield at +180, citing Crute's long layoff, fragility, and Menifield's power. He worries about Menifield's gas tank but thinks the price is worth the risk. He notes Menifield has decent takedown defense and submission game if taken down.
The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield as an underdog over Jimmy Crute, citing Menifield's power and recent KO wins. He worries Crute will test his stand-up too long and get caught, predicting a first-round KO for Menifield. He notes Crute's grappling is elite but expects him to be too confident on the feet.
Zane also picks Crute, agreeing that Menifield's tendency to freeze under pressure is a key factor. He notes that Crute's constant forward pressure and power shots will likely cause Menifield to hesitate and become defensive. Zane also points out that Menifield is not a good counter-puncher and struggles when forced to fight off the back foot. He believes Crute's aggression will be rewarded.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamahal Hill | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jimmy Crute | 1 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamahal Hill | 0 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jimmy Crute | 1 | 4 of 10 | 40% | 4 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamahal Hill | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 4 of 10 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamahal Hill | 6 of 12 | 50% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 4 of 10 | 40% | 2 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo picks Jimmy Crute, citing his wrestling and takedown accuracy. He notes Hill is a good striker but lacks one-punch KO power, so Crute can eat volume and work takedowns. Angelo likes Crute at 9200 on DraftKings.
Big Brady picks Jimmy Crute to win by submission. He highlights Crute's elite grappling, noting he submitted Paul Craig (who rarely gets submitted) and has a BJJ black belt. He criticizes Jamahal Hill's poor takedown defense, citing how easily Darko Stosic took him down. Brady believes if Crute fights smart and takes Hill down, he will submit him. He also notes Hill's striking defense is suspect (45%) and that Crute's striking is decent, but the path to victory is clearly on the ground.
Cody picks Hill confidently, noting Hill's length, southpaw stance, and power. He thinks Crute's ring IQ is questionable and that Hill will keep the fight standing. Cody believes Hill's striking advantage and ability to avoid takedowns will lead to a win, and that the plus money is good value.
Daniel Levi picks Jamahal Hill to win a decision, citing Hill's high striking output for a light heavyweight, his fluidity, speed, and length. He notes that Crute is hittable and that Hill can piece him up on the feet. He acknowledges Crute's ground game but believes Hill can defend takedowns and get back up if taken down, referencing Hill's get-up game from his debut.
Jacob picks Jimmy Crute, agreeing with Dan that Crute should wrestle and submit Hill. He notes Hill is a good boxer but Crute can take him down easily. Jacob warns that if Crute tries to strike, he will get pieced up.
I lean Crute. He has a huge grappling advantage and should be able to take Hill down. Hill's defensive grappling is suspect, and he was submitted by Paul Craig. Crute has good top game and submission skills. However, I'm not fully confident because Hill is the better striker and could keep it standing. I like Crute by submission at plus 250.
Paul leans towards Hill as an underdog, citing Hill's striking volume and durability. He notes that Crute made a mistake by standing with Anthony Smith instead of wrestling, and that Hill's grappling looked decent against Paul Craig. Paul believes Hill can outwork Crute on the feet and that the plus money is worth taking.
The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute to win by first-round kimura. He expects Crute to land leg kicks and feints, then set up a takedown after Hill leans back from a hook. Crute will get side control and eventually isolate the arm for his signature kimura, similar to his win over Paul Craig.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 0 | 26 of 39 | 66% | 27 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 34 of 57 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 0 | 26 of 39 | 66% | 27 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 34 of 57 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:57 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Smith | 26 of 39 | 66% | 20 of 32 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 18 of 35 | 51% | 7 of 21 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Smith | 26 of 39 | 66% | 20 of 32 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 18 of 35 | 51% | 7 of 21 | 2 of 5 | 9 of 9 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Big Brady picks Crute to win by second-round TKO. He cites Crute's superior striking stats, takedown accuracy, and youth, while Smith is hittable and has taken a lot of damage. He expects Crute to either knock Smith out or dominate on the ground, similar to Rakic's game plan. He notes Smith has been finished in 13 of 16 losses.
Cody is all in on Crute, praising his raw power, chin, and finishing ability. He notes Smith's durability and tendency to come back in later rounds but believes Crute's youth and aggression will be too much. He expects Crute to win by knockout or submission, and mentions that Smith's best chance is if Crute's cardio fails. He also suggests live betting on Smith if Crute slows down.
Daniel picks Jimmy Crute, citing his well-rounded skills, youth, and that he has already learned from his first loss. He expects Crute to take Smith down, neutralize him, and win via decision or finish. He notes Smith's wins often come via comeback and that Crute is unlikely to make a bonehead mistake.
I think Crute uses his wrestling and jiu-jitsu to grind out Smith. Smith has shown durability but also a tendency to shell up and take damage. Crute is young and aggressive, and I think he can get a TKO. I like Crute by TKO at +170, but the over 1.5 at -185 is also a good play as Smith is tough to finish early.
Paul picks Crute, citing his youth, power, and aggression. He notes Smith's durability and comeback ability but thinks Crute's pressure and wrestling will overwhelm Smith. He expects Crute to win by finish or decision, and mentions that Smith's best chance is if Crute gasses. He also likes the over 1.5 rounds but acknowledges Crute's first-round finishing potential.
The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute by decision, possibly 30-26. He believes Crute's grappling will be too much for Smith, who has been out-grappled before and tends to shell up. He notes Crute's underrated jiu-jitsu and ability to chop at the legs, and thinks Smith won't be able to hang on the ground.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 2 | 17 of 24 | 70% | 18 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 2 | 17 of 24 | 70% | 18 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Modestas Bukauskas | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Crute | 17 of 24 | 70% | 8 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 9 | 14 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Modestas Bukauskas | 7 of 17 | 41% | 2 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jimmy Crute | 17 of 24 | 70% | 8 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 9 | 14 of 21 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Modestas Bukauskas | 7 of 17 | 41% | 2 of 11 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Shifting gears to the 205-pound weight category, “The Brute” Crute (11-1, 3-1 UFC) faces another European opponent, this time in the form of “The Baltic Gladiator” Bukauskas (11-2, 1-0 UFC). In what could be an all-action battle, referee Anders Ohlsson will need to mind his P’s and Q’s in the cage, although the two light heavyweights do touch gloves to precede their mutual combat. Bukauskas starts off with a leg kick, and Crute is quick to counter him. Crute charges in and pursues a takedown, but manages to just push the Lithuanian against the cage. Crute lands a knee to the groin, and there is brief pause. Bukauskas is ready to continue quickly, and Crute swings and misses with a low kick. A right hand that follows does not miss, and Crute fires off another leg kick that connects shortly after. Bukauskas lands a one-two, and Crute slaps a kick that marks up the lead leg of his opponent already. Crute stings him with a right hand, and he continues his leg kick assault, this time on the inside. “The Brute” follows a double jab with a leg kick, and he resets for a moment.
When Bukauskas comes in for a body kick, Crute smashes him in the face with a right hand to send down falling to the ground. Bukauskas tries to return to his feet but he is wobbled and met with a fierce right hand that hurts him badly. Crute slings another right hand that does not find a target, but a vicious left hook from Crute sends Bukauskas crashing down to the canvas for good. As Ohlsson is tending to a barely conscious Bukauskas, Crute sits down next to his downed opponent to hug him. What a performance for Crute, breaking up a string of six consecutive decisions tonight with a beautiful knockout. The Official Result Jimmy Crute def. Modestas Bukauskas R1 2:01 via KO (Punches)
Big Brady is extremely confident in Crute, calling it one of his most confident picks on the card. He highlights Crute's excellent wrestling (81% takedown accuracy) and BJJ black belt, while Bukauskas has poor takedown defense and has been submitted before. He predicts a first-round submission.
The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute because of his evolving grappling game and versatility in takedowns. He notes that Bukauskas has been held against the cage and uses illegal elbows, while Crute has shown improvement and has a black belt in BJJ. He expects a second-round submission, possibly a kimura.
Alonzo Menifield - Fight History
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Zhang (-250); Menifield (+200)
Round 1
Make that six first-round finishes in 11 fights, and with that, it’s over to you two, Zhang (19-7; 3-1 UFC) and Menifield (17-6-1; 10-6-1 UFC). Also, no pressure, Zhang, but Chinese fighters are 0-5 with two chances to go. The light heavyweight co-main event will be overseen by Marc Goddard. Both kickboxers are in orthodox stance and quickly meet in the middle of the cage, where they exchange a wild flurry of punches in close quarters. Both men land solidly, and Menifield is stung by one of the blows, but catches Zhang with a clean counter. They take a mere second to reset and then swing away once again. It’s starting to look as if this thing might be over inside of 30 seconds, but the fighters take a deep breath and compose themselves. The composure does not last, however; after a brief respite in which they clinch against the fence for a few moments, Menifield explodes with punches and Zhang throws back. Menifield is hurt! Zhang follows with a string of right hands, and a few land, but
Menifield staggers a step back, shakes off the cobwebs and crushes Zhang with a powerful left jab, then a right uppercut, left hook combo that puts Zhang on his seat at the base of the fence. He drops several left hands to the head of the turtled and dazed “Mountain Tiger” and referee Goddard has seen enough.
The Galaxy Arena goes dead silent as Alonzo Menifield has capped off a wild round by knocking out China’s most promising up-and-coming fighter north of lightweight.
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Mingyang Zhang R1 4:15 via TKO (Punches)
AJ is very confident Zhang will win by knockout, citing his first-round KO history and Menifield's recent KO loss to Volkan Oezdemir. He notes Menifield struggles with power punchers and doesn't have elite wrestling or leg kicks. Zhang is 27, a decade younger, and has fast hands. AJ predicts a first-round KO, possibly in the first minute.
AJ is very confident in Zhang Mingyang, predicting a first-round knockout. He notes Menifield's age (38) and recent knockout losses, while Zhang is in his physical prime with heavy hands and speed. AJ believes Menifield's forward pressure plays into Zhang's boxing, and that Zhang will replicate the success of Menifield's previous KO loss.
AJ picks Zhang, expecting a first-round KO. He notes Zhang's power, elbows, and hand speed will overwhelm Menifield, who has been knocked out violently in recent losses. AJ thinks Menifield's lack of takedown threat and poor chin will lead to a quick finish.
Angelo picks Zhang Mingyang because he is too big, too long, and should come forward and find the finish. He notes that Alonzo Menifield is an aging vet with declining speed and chin. However, he is nervous because Zhang lost his last fight to leg kicks.
Angelo picks Zhang Mingyang, believing he is faster, has a better chin, and is more powerful than the aging Menifield. He notes that Menifield's leg kicks are not a threat like Johnny Walker's, so Mingyang's durability shouldn't be an issue. He thinks Mingyang will let his hands go and win, though Menifield remains dangerous.
Angelo picks Zhang Mingyang to win by knockout, arguing that Menifield is chinny and has been knocked out in three of his last four losses. He believes Menifield lacks the leg kicks that troubled Zhang against Johnny Walker and that Zhang's power will prevail in a pocket fight.
Big Brady picks Zhang Mingyang by first-round knockout, noting that Zhang has never won a fight after the first round, so if Menifield survives five minutes his chances skyrocket. He views Menifield as potentially washed at 38, coming off a KO loss, and having taken a ton of damage. He acknowledges the line is steep at -240 but believes the UFC is setting Zhang up for a win in China.
Cody picks Zhang Mingyang despite acknowledging his cardio issues and the risk if the fight goes past the first round. He highlights Zhang's speed, low calf kicks, and the advantage of fighting in China. Cody notes Menifield's durability issues and that he's been knocked out four times, all in under two rounds. He believes Zhang's game plan of leg kicks and speed will pay dividends, but admits the longer the fight goes, the more trouble Zhang is in.
Levi picks Zhang Mingyang despite his loss to Johnny Walker, believing the setback was a wake-up call. He thinks Zhang has the length, reach, and firepower to put Menifield away, though he acknowledges Menifield has upset prospects before. Levi expects a knockout.
Jacob picks Zhang Mingyang because Alonzo Menifield is a smaller light heavyweight and Zhang is a well-rounded 27-year-old. He thinks the UFC gave Zhang a favorable matchup after his loss to Johnny Walker. He believes Zhang will come forward with big elbows and shots.
Lucrative James picks Alonzo Menifield as a plus money underdog, citing major red flags on Zhang Mingyang after his loss to Johnny Walker where he showed poor leg kick defense and cardio issues. He notes Menifield's experience, durability, and ability to grit out wins, while Zhang has not faced adversity well. He believes Menifield's power and pressure will be too much, and predicts a finish inside the distance, possibly by submission in round two.
The host picks Menifield as an underdog, citing his experience and power. He believes if Menifield avoids Mingyang's early knockout power, he can cruise in deeper waters. He notes Mingyang has never won a fight past the first round and questions his durability. He expects Menifield to counter and knock out Mingyang.
The host picks Alonzo Menifield, especially at plus 210 odds. He believes Menifield will have a better game plan, keep his feet moving, mix it up in the clinch, and potentially go for takedowns. With his atomic power, he expects Menifield to put Zhang Mingyang away within the first two rounds.
Paul picks Menifield as a value play, acknowledging the risk of a first-round knockout. He notes Menifield's veteran experience, submission grappling advantage, and the possibility of dragging the fight into later rounds. Paul took a small sprinkle on Menifield by submission at +880 and plans to live bet Menifield if he survives the first round. He admits he can't get to -240 on Zhang and is willing to accept the risk.
The MMA Guru picks Zhang Mingyang to win by knockout in the first round. He notes that Zhang's technical boxing is good and he will box from range, while Menifield relies on overhands and cage pushing. He believes Zhang will find boxing success and knock out Menifield, as long as he doesn't get caught by a big shot.
The Guru picks Menifield as an underdog, citing his grit and multiple paths to victory. He notes Menifield has good head movement, power, and grappling with nasty ground and pound. Mingyang starts fast with power and elbows but fades after round one. Menifield can win in any round or by decision.
The Guru picks Mingyang Zhang over Alonzo Menifield, citing Zhang's devastating power and Menifield's glass chin. He believes Zhang's fearless pressure will lead to an early knockout, as Menifield tends to stand and trade. He notes Menifield's history of being knocked out by power punchers.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkan Oezdemir | 1 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkan Oezdemir | 1 | 13 of 35 | 37% | 14 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkan Oezdemir | 13 of 35 | 37% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkan Oezdemir | 13 of 35 | 37% | 12 of 33 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Oezdemir (-240); Menifield (+190)
Round 1
With dueling finish rates right at or around 75%, a pair of fist-first light heavyweights meet for the first time despite a litany of experience in the Octagon thus far. “No Time” Oezdemir (20-8, 8-7 UFC) knows there is no time for a loss, as that would drop his promotional record to .500. Menifield (17-5-1, 10-5-1 UFC) is a long way away from that line, and he has put a pair of knockout losses last year in the rear-view mirror with two victories thus far in 2025. Someone’s fortunes will drop at the end of what should be a concussive matchup, one that kicks off in front of referee Marc Goddard with a sporting touch of gloves.
Oezdemir wades towards Menifield, but he ends up getting smacked with a surprise left hook on the entry. Oezdemir backs off to find another way in, and he jabs to set up twos and a body kick. Menifield bounces off the fence to shake it off, and he avoids a swatting right hand while strafing to the side. Oezdemir stays after him with punches that bounce off the guard, and he squares up to drill Menifield in the chest with a knee. Menifield fires back with an overhand right that is out of range, and another vicious knee from “No Time” crashes into Menifield’s chin. The Swiss fighter stands Menifield up with a barrage of fiery fists, knocking Menifield’s head around and putting him in jeopardy. Menifield sways and moves, but Oezdemir’s boxing is relentless and destructive.
Oezdemir stuns Menifield with a left hand and finishes the job with a bevy of brutal blows. Like a puppet that’s had its strings cut, Menifield slumps to his side and is kept upright only because of the fence next to him.
The lights are on, but no one’s home. Goddard recognizes that Menifield is dreaming of his ancestors and halts the fight, and he immediately tends to the wrecked Texan. The “boop” is back.
The Official Result
Volkan Oezdemir def. Alonzo Menifield R1 1:27 via KO (Knee and Punches)
Angelo leans Volkan Oezdemir over Alonzo Menifield, despite rooting for Menifield. He notes Oezdemir's leg kicks were effective against Carlos Ulberg and could neutralize Menifield's power. Both are similar aging vets with above-average striking and below-average wrestling, but Oezdemir is cleaner and has better cardio. Angelo calls the odds an atrocity and suggests value on Menifield.
Big Brady picks Volkan Oezdemir by decision, noting his higher level of competition and defensive responsibility. He expects the fight to go the distance and favors Oezdemir's output and experience over Menifield.
Cody picks Volkan Oezdemir confidently, despite feeling it might be a trap. He notes that Menifield has only beaten green or inexperienced fighters and has poor takedown defense. Volkan has fought higher-level competition and has power. Cody believes Volkan's experience and power will be too much for Menifield, who tends to freeze against power punchers.
Connor picks Oezdemir, noting that Menifield lacks the tools to exploit Oezdemir's weaknesses. He explains that Oezdemir struggles against a good jab or aggressive ground game, but Menifield relies on power and size, which Oezdemir can handle. Connor cites Oezdemir's wins over similar fighters like Johnny Walker and Paul Craig.
Lucrative James picks Volkan Oezdemir but with low confidence, calling it a close fight. He notes Volkan's technical striking and leg kicks, but acknowledges Menifield's athleticism and power. He thinks Volkan will win a decision by doing slightly more on the feet, but admits he may bet on Menifield as an underdog. He also mentions the over/under prop.
Oezdemir has power and can exploit Menifield's durability issues. Menifield is a live underdog with power of his own. The under 2.5 rounds is a better bet than the moneyline, as both have knockout potential.
Paul picks Volkan Oezdemir, agreeing with Cody. He notes that all metrics point to Volkan, and Menifield's wins are against lower-level opponents. Paul mentions that Menifield has been knocked out quickly by power punchers, and Volkan has the power to do the same.
The MMA Guru picks Volkan Oezdemir over Alonzo Menifield, citing Oezdemir's experience and takedown defense. He notes Menifield's poor decision-making and believes Oezdemir will out-strike him. He predicts a second-round TKO win for Oezdemir.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Oezdemir. He notes that Menifield's best chance is if Oezdemir has a bad night, but Oezdemir's pressure and aggression should overwhelm Menifield. Zane highlights Oezdemir's experience against higher-level competition and Menifield's tendency to lose to fighters who don't respect his power.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 29 of 86 | 33% | 34 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 34 of 96 | 35% | 37 of 99 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 4:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 8 of 34 | 23% | 8 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 16 of 41 | 39% | 16 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 5 of 12 | 41% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 4:13 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 19 of 46 | 41% | 19 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Oumar Sy | 0 | 13 of 43 | 30% | 13 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 29 of 86 | 33% | 17 of 71 | 6 of 8 | 6 of 7 | 29 of 86 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Oumar Sy | 34 of 96 | 35% | 16 of 69 | 9 of 15 | 9 of 12 | 34 of 96 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 8 of 34 | 23% | 5 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 8 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Oumar Sy | 16 of 41 | 39% | 6 of 27 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Oumar Sy | 5 of 12 | 41% | 2 of 7 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 19 of 46 | 41% | 11 of 35 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 5 | 19 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Oumar Sy | 13 of 43 | 30% | 8 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Sy (-700), Menifield (+500)
Round 1
The main card opens up with a match that could end anywhere at any time. Light heavyweight bombardier Menifield (16-5-1, 9-5-1 UFC) practically only knows one speed, sometimes to his detriment. He will try to ply his explosive trade against Sy (11-0, 2-0 UFC) and look to hand the undefeated Frenchman his first loss. Referee Blake Grice knows he might be needed at a moment’s notice, so he is not far away when the two tap their hands together to signal they are ready to engage. Sy takes the center of the Octagon and pushes out a front kick to get started, and Sy pushes off and grazes the eye as Menifield swats at his hand. Sy meanders towards the UFC vet but does not throw anything, instead chasing him and whiffing badly with a spinning back fist. Menifield responds with a lunging right hand, and he steps to the side as a front kick misses him. Menifield times a right hand over the top when Sy commits to a kick, and Sy barely rolls with it in time. Sy has a head kick blocked, and he splits the guard with a jab. Menifield’s head movement keeps him out of danger, and he unloads a massive right hand that skims the jaw. Sy breathes a sigh of relief but the big swings are getting closer. The Frenchman tries to keep the heavy swinger at bay with a front kick, and he stays in place a little too long and gets caught with a right. Sy pitches out a head kick, and Menifield charges at him with four or five flurrying fists. Menifield tracks Sy down and wings a left hand at him, and Sy showboats and pokes Menifield in the eye. Menifield protests, and Grice calls time. Menifield jokingly says he sees two of Grice, and Grice chides him for saying something like that or else he will have to take action. They resume, and Menifield gets back to chasing after the French fighter. Sy stays at the end of his jab to keep Menifield from reaching him, and the telegraphed right hand is still out of flush range. Sy slaps the front leg with a few kicks, and Menifield responds with one that is much heavier. Sy goes to the body with a kick, and Menifield stumbles him with a left. Menifield smells blood and swings with everything he has, clipping Sy with a right hand at the end but not hurting him. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 2
The fighters tap gloves to get going in the second stanza, and Sy reintroduces himself with a pair of front kicks. Menifield offers a low kick back, and he is off-balance when he looks to unload his right. Sy jabs and kicks, and he leans back as a right hand buzzes his chin. Sy closes in to tie up the Texan, driving him to the wall and searching for a single. The Frenchman transitions to a double, and Menifield wraps around him on the other side around his back. Menifield sprawls to defend, and he wraps his arms around Sy’s neck to hold him from getting anywhere. Menifield latches onto a guillotine choke, switching grip from one arm to the other but nearly losing balance. Sy stays attacking a single or a double, going from attempt to attempt as Menifield defends each one. Sy sells out for a double, dropping down to his knees, and that too does not work. Menifield’s strength stops Sy from getting him down, and his guillotine choke makes Sy not go all-out for the takedown. Menifield elbows him in the side of the head, and Sy stays pressed looking for that takedown. As Grice asks for more action, Sy completes it and dumps the Texan on the mat. Menifield gets to his knees, and Sy tries to grab him from behind. Menifield turns and stands, defending another try to ground him as Grice claps for them to fight. Menifield does not get taken down again as the horn sounds, and the audience is not impressed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Sy
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Sy
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Sy
Round 3
There is a final glove touch, and Menifield leads off with a body kick. Sy bounces a few punches off the guard and pushes off with a front kick. Menifield sinks in a heavy low kick, swiping out with a left and a right as Sy closes in. “Atomic Alonzo” ducks his way in, allowing Sy to windmill a right hand past him as he regains ground. A right hand from Menifield sneaks over the top, and he pierces the guard with a left. Menifield counters a kick with a right hand and lets go with two chopping kicks. Sy’s one-two down the pipe partially lands, and his jab snaps the head back. Menifield evades a front kick and pushes off from a Sy takedown effort, and fans in the building take their phones out and light up their screens, waving them around in protest of the lackluster fight. The fighters trade single punches one after the other, and with Menifield raising his hand once to signal he scored it the way he wanted to. Menifield punts the front leg and scores with a right and a left, and he wraps a right hand around the guard but off the shoulder. Menifield sticks out a number of jabs, and he checks a low kick aimed at him. Menifield has a few fists rebound off the guard and dodges a front kick. The booing gets louder as the light heavyweights do not turn it up, until Menifield surges into action with a winging right. He misses with that but cracks Sy with a left. Swarming forward, Menifield knocks air around but misses the mark with much more. Two more right hands from Menifield connect, and the dreadful match ends. It is not been the best night for action thus far, and the crowd is reacting to that. It could be anyone’s fight, but at least it is over.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Oumar Sy via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Oumar Sy because he is a young, dangerous prospect with explosive power and improving cardio. He believes Oumar will be a step ahead of the aging Menifield and beat him to the punch.
Big Brady picks Oumar Sy by decision. He likes Sy's well-rounded game and striking improvement, but notes that Alonzo Menifield has strong takedown defense (78%). He believes Sy's youth and cardio will be key, and that Menifield's last war with Julius Walker was not a good look.
Connor picks Sy, noting that Menifield's technical improvements have come too late and his physicality is declining. He highlights that Sy is a better athlete and more composed, with functional kickboxing and a strong wrestling base. Connor believes Menifield will struggle to maintain output and will be outworked, as Sy's confidence will grow as the fight goes on.
Menifield is declining while Sy is on the rise. Sy will use his physicality and strength to keep Menifield against the cage, drag him to the ground, and grind out a decision win.
The Guru picks Oumar Sy, calling him a top prospect who fights like Ciryl Gane. He notes Sy's movement, teeps, and ability to stay elusive, contrasting with Menifield's low fight IQ. He expects Sy to win by decision, possibly 30-27 or 29-28, and thinks Menifield will struggle to land his power shots.
Zane picks Sy, arguing that Menifield is a mentally broken fighter who has only beaten self-destructive opponents. He notes that Sy is a consistent, well-rounded fighter with good kickboxing and wrestling, and that Menifield's cardio and composure will fail him. Zane points out that Sy handled Da Un Jung's pressure well and that Menifield's power is a new test, but Sy's durability and output should win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 87 of 147 | 59% | 113 of 179 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Julius Walker | 0 | 86 of 171 | 50% | 114 of 200 | 1 of 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 5:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 23 of 33 | 69% | 38 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Julius Walker | 0 | 27 of 47 | 57% | 41 of 62 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:52 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 31 of 56 | 55% | 33 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Julius Walker | 0 | 36 of 73 | 49% | 39 of 76 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:15 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 33 of 58 | 56% | 42 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Julius Walker | 0 | 23 of 51 | 45% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 87 of 147 | 59% | 64 of 120 | 19 of 22 | 4 of 5 | 78 of 132 | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Julius Walker | 86 of 171 | 50% | 37 of 112 | 33 of 43 | 16 of 16 | 51 of 124 | 35 of 47 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 23 of 33 | 69% | 21 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 26 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Julius Walker | 27 of 47 | 57% | 8 of 27 | 18 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 20 | 21 of 27 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 31 of 56 | 55% | 20 of 43 | 9 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 29 of 51 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Julius Walker | 36 of 73 | 49% | 20 of 51 | 9 of 15 | 7 of 7 | 27 of 59 | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 33 of 58 | 56% | 23 of 46 | 8 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 31 of 55 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Julius Walker | 23 of 51 | 45% | 9 of 34 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 18 of 45 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The UFC knew exactly what it was doing when it matched this event. One more fight is about to play out with a battle-tested aggression machine in Menifield (15-5-1, 8-5-1 UFC) against a newcomer in Walker (6-0, 0-0 UFC) allergic to boring fights. It would be a surprise if this lasts more than five minutes, likely giving the judges some respite while referee Jason Herzog needs to be more ready than usual. There is no fist bump to get going, as Walker instead walks forward and grabs right hold of his opponent and pushes him to the wall. Menifield thwarts any early trip effort, while the newcomer mashes him against the fencing, working him with short knees. Walker attempts to elevate his foe, and this allows Menifield to briefly turn him about. The crowd does not particularly appreciate the lengthy clinch exchange, prompting Walker to drop down in pursuit of a double. Menifield stops this abruptly and knees his man in the belly, but he remains pinned to the wire. Walker breaks free and suddenly lurches forward with an overhand right that gets the veteran’s attention. Menifield shakes out the cobwebs and halts another takedown try, but he gets popped on the exit with a right hand. Walker loses his balance when kicking high, falling to the ground, and Menifield charges at him in pursuit of his own double. Walker springs away and turns things around on his foe, but Menifield pushes him back around. Walker scores a knee and a few punches, but Menifield breaks and responds with strikes far heavier. A rocked Walker desperately goes after a double, and “Atomic Alonzo” stifles the try and pushes off. Menifield walks his man down and socks him in the face, and he leans back to dodge a knee. Menifield goes for broke with winging strikes, and he walks through an elbow to knock Walker’s head around the Octagon. Walker smashes Menifield in the face with a crisp knee, and Menifield does not bat an eye and goes all-out on attack. Menifield wraps up a standing arm-triangle choke after brushing off a spin strike, and Walker breaks out of it and jams several knees to the body. They continue jockeying for position, with Walker the one striking more frequently when clinched. Menifield gets away and is slapped in the face by the unbeaten fighter’s foot, and the two trade vicious leather until the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Walker
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Walker
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 2
The light heavyweights meet in the middle after five sloppy, dangerous minutes, and they both are a bit tired from it. Walker keeps behind his jab early, punching his way into a takedown, only to get dropped to a knee from a Menifield right hand. Walker keeps himself together enough to crash forward and pursue a takedown, and he lets it go so he can knee Menifield in the face a few times. Menifield evades a few front kicks and absorbs two low kicks so he can let Walker fly past him with a follow-up jump knee, and he stands firm in defiance of a takedown effort. Walker drills his man in the face with another knee, and Menifield ducks a strike and clinches. Menifield reaches out with a right hand, and he counters a jab with a left hook. Walker strides forward to attack, with Menifield’s hands down by his waist, but this might be a trap. Menifield sits down on a powerful counter, and Walker walks through it and throws everything he has at his opponent. Menifield takes the strikes flush or off his guard, and he swings back with reckless abandon. Technique and energy might be low, but the aggression remains high. Menifield takes a knee so he can give back a punch, and he keeps his guard up long enough to defend a pair of high kicks. A jab to the body from Menifield stumbles Walker, who gathers his thoughts and eats a cracking low kick. Walker kicks him back, draws a visible reaction, and absorbs a pair of punches on the chin. Menifield surges forward, putting his hands on the chin, and Walker stumbles forward and catches himself before going down. Menifield works the body and opens a left hook up, and he beans Walker with a right hand on the beard. Walker keeps him on his feet and flashes a jab, and a second is met with a power right hand. Walker succeeds to get the fight down, and Menifield springs up by elbowing his man on the side of the dome. One more attempted takedown from Walker wraps up the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Round 3
As the third round opens, Menifield paws out and pokes Walker square in the eyeball. Herzog rolls his eyes and calls time, allowing the fighters to recover while warning Menifield for his obvious foul. Walker does not take long to get going again, and Menifield starts off first with a pair of lunging punches. The second knocks Walker’s mouthguard out, and he gets a second to replace it. Menifield intercepts his man coming in with a left hook, and he catches Walker a second time with one. Walker answers in kind, but Menifield’s knock his foe’s head about while Walker is more touching. One body kick from Walker is much harder, but his jabs that follow are about setting things up rather than sheer damage. On the other hand, Menifield fires off a power jab that snaps the head back. Walker moves forward to push Menifield against the wall, and he drives a knee directly into the cup. Menifield cries foul, and Herzog acknowledges it and gives the Texan time to recover. After less than a minute, Herzog brings the two together to tell them that even though they are both tired, more fouls equal point deductions. The fight kicks off again, and Menifield swings for the bleachers. Walker takes several strikes up top, and he sits down on a few low kicks to disrupt the balance of “Atomic Alonzo.” Menifield is all power, all day, and he swings his way open to defend a double. The prolonged clinch exchange allows Walker to score a few knees while keeping the wide swinging blows from Menifield off the table. Walker looks for a single or double, and Menifield is having none of it. The audience expresses its disapproval of the fighters as 90 seconds remain on the clock, clearly spoiled from the action from tonight. They split up and keep throwing, and Menifield catches his man with a left and just misses on a follow-up right. This happens a few more times, with Walker dancing just far enough away to not get cracked. Menifield keeps landing cleanly, and he takes a knee on the jaw that makes a clicking sound. Menifield steels himself and unloads a few bombs, and Walker is tough as nails as he keeps plodding forward. Menifield chases the newcomer around with a final flurry, and Walker escapes before getting downed. The fighters reach the 15-minute mark, with the final bell sounding for the first time tonight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (30-27 Menifield)
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Julius Walker via Split Decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo picks Alonzo Menifield confidently, arguing that despite a two-fight losing streak, Menifield's losses are to elite competition (Carlos Ulberg, Azamat Murzakanov) who would steamroll a newcomer like Julius Walker. He notes Walker has only been a pro for two years and has holes in takedown defense. Angelo placed a full unit on Menifield at -140.
Big Brady picks Alonzo Menifield despite back-to-back brutal knockout losses, because he loves the stylistic matchup. He notes that Julius Walker is a wild striker who is hittable and looks to grapple, but Menifield has good takedown defense and is physically strong. He believes if the fight stays standing, Menifield is the much better striker and will land something big, predicting a first-round knockout. However, he is worried about Menifield's chin at 37.
Connor picks Menifield, agreeing that Walker looks like a complete novice and is not UFC ready. He notes that Menifield can win any way he wants, and that Walker has never faced a good fighter. Connor expects Menifield to win easily, possibly by knockout.
The host expects Menifield's experience and power to exploit Walker's striking defense flaws. He predicts Menifield will score a knockout victory, though notes Walker could surprise.
The Guru picks Menifield as an underdog, believing Walker is being brought up too soon. He notes Menifield's grappling can shut down offense, he has power throughout the fight, and decent cardio. Despite Pat Barry being his coach (which he mocks), he thinks Menifield will teach the younger Walker a lesson.
Zane picks Menifield because Walker is a raw novice with terrible footwork and no comfort on the feet. He notes that Walker's only path is to take Menifield down and use his top game, but Menifield is a good athlete with much more experience. Zane expects Menifield to knock Walker out easily.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 45 of 85 | 52% | 48 of 88 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 15 of 74 | 20% | 19 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 22 of 40 | 55% | 25 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 8 of 32 | 25% | 10 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 7 of 42 | 16% | 9 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 45 of 85 | 52% | 34 of 69 | 11 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 43 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 15 of 74 | 20% | 14 of 73 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 22 of 40 | 55% | 14 of 28 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 22 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 8 of 32 | 25% | 8 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 23 of 45 | 51% | 20 of 41 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 42 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 42 | 16% | 6 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Murzakanov (-205), Menifield (+170)
Round 1
It took seven fights for the promotion to matchmake a fight between two members of the UFC roster with records in it over .500. Murzakanov (13-0, 3-0 UFC) puts his unbeaten record on the line as the winner of three straight in the Octagon, while powerhouse Menifield (15-4-1, 8-4-1 UFC) hunts to take that “0” away. Fists are sure to fly in a moment, but the light heavyweights first wait for referee Dan Movahedi to check in the fight. They hesitantly touch gloves, and Menifield is the one looking for offense first but is not running at his opponent. Murzakanov times an uppercut as Menifield dips down, and he snaps out a powerful jab. Menifield gets jabbed and reaches with a right hand, and he tries again but is out of range. “The Professional” steps in with a heavy left, and he backs Menifield up and drills him with a clean knee. Menifield shakes it off and blocks a head kick, and Murzakanov bears down on him and lays into him with heavy punches and a knee. Menifield blocks the worst of the blows, but the body shots are landing cleanly on him. Menifield ties him up, and Murzakanov lands a few punches to the back of the head before pushing the Texan to the wire. Murzakanov is warned twice for hooking his fingers in the cage, and again strikes Menifield in the back of the head. They jockey for position against the wall, and fans in the building grow restless while Movahedi asks for more from the two. Menifield breaks away and ducks into an uppercut, and he takes a knee and winds up with a big right hand. Murzakanov is warned for another foul, and he blocks a right hand as they clash heads due to both going forward. Menifield takes a body shot and gives a right back, and he eats a short combination and gets his bell rung. Murzakanov bullies him to the fencing again, and Menifield wants nothing to do with it and breaks off. Murzakanov lashes out with an elbow, and his uppercut clangs off the forehead. The Russian plants a right hand on the dome and a left to follow, and he slips away from a punch and draws some blood over the eye of his foe. Menifield goes up with a kick that is blocked, and he absorbs a flush body kick. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Murzakanov
Round 2
The light heavies are ready to get after it, and Movahedi has to ask them to back off before beginning. When they do, Menifield swarms into action, only to walk into a knee and an uppercut. Menifield launches big shots back, but Murzakanov’s defense is solid and his counters are sharp. Murzakanov draws further blood with an uppercut on the left eye that is leaking, and he slips punches and does not stand still long enough to eat big strikes. Menifield shrugs off two uppercuts that would knock out lesser fighters and punch his way into the distance. Murzakanov loops two right hands around the guard, and Menifield tanks vicious punches without batting an eye. Murzakanov drives a knee to the chin and a huge right hand on the temple, and gets caught with a clean uppercut that surprises him. Murzakanov punches and pushes off, and he jumps with a knee and rips a left to the body. Menifield lumbers forward swinging hooks, and Murzakanov is the faster and crisper, and he blocks a head kick. Murzakanov whiffs on a booming uppercut and ties his man up, pushing the Fortis MMA-trained fighter to the wall while watching the clock. Menifield turns him around and shoots low for a double, bailing on it when Murzakanov stands him up and threatens with a counter trip. This results in a reset, and both men attack with uppercuts. Menifield walks face-first into a monster left hand, and he hurts Murzakanov with a sudden counter. This only infuriates the Russian, who swings with bad intentions and rocks Menifield badly.
Three ferocious punches from “The Professional” knock Menifield’s head around, who stumbles back and falls over when retreating. Murzakanov runs at the downed man, bludgeoning him with a hammerfist and a punctuating right hand, with the second shutting Menifield’s lights out.
Movahedi pulls Murzakanov off of the doomed Menifield, and Murzakanov walks off to celebrate with his corner. Menifield comes to, spitting out his mouthpiece, and his team might need to explain what happened. Murzakanov is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts, with this one undoubtedly the biggest of his career.
The Official Result
Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield R2 3:18 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Murzakanov because of his high fight IQ and power, noting Menifield's poor decision-making and tendency to make mistakes. He acknowledges Menifield's talent and power but thinks Murzakanov is too dangerous to make errors against. He hopes Menifield proves him wrong.
Big Brady is not a big fan of Murzakanov but cannot pick Menifield after his embarrassing 12-second knockout loss. He thinks Menifield cannot wrestle, knock out Murzakanov (who has never been knocked out), or outpoint him. He predicts a lackluster fight with Murzakanov winning by decision.
Cody picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his slightly better volume, punch selection, and durability. He notes that both fighters are low-volume power punchers, but Murzakanov is undefeated and has never been knocked out, while Menifield was knocked out in 12 seconds recently. Cody thinks Murzakanov's cardio is slightly better and that he can win a decision or land the bigger shots. He also mentions the potential for home cooking in Abu Dhabi.
Daniel picks Murzakanov, citing his cleaner striking and smarter decision-making. He notes Menifield's wins have come against questionable competition and that Murzakanov has a more polished game. He acknowledges Menifield's power but believes Murzakanov has more finesse.
Both have knockout power, but Murzakanov has more tools. If he can stay safe from Menifield's power, he should find his own knockout within the first two rounds.
Paul picks Azamat Murzakanov, noting that both fighters have power but Murzakanov has better volume and durability. He mentions that Menifield has cardio issues and has been knocked out before. Paul thinks Murzakanov's technique is superior and that he can outwork Menifield. He also notes that Menifield is always live for a knockout but Murzakanov is the safer pick.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Alonzo Menifield, trusting Murzakanov's chin more. He notes Menifield has power but is likely to get cracked first. He mentions Murzakanov's sharp hands and power, and that he broke his arm in his last fight but has had time to recover. He criticizes Menifield's performance against Karl Roberson.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 0 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ulberg | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alonzo Menifield | 7 of 11 | 63% | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ulberg (-245), Menifield (+205)
Round 1
Throughout his entire UFC run dating back to 2019, Texas-based powerhouse Menifield (15-3-1, 8-3-1 UFC) has never strung three wins together. Triumphant in his last two, he meets City Kickboxing’s Ulberg (9-1, 5-1 UFC), who seems to be putting it together piece by piece as he works his way up the 205-pound board. To the victor belong the spoils and a number next to their name. Taking charge of the Octagon will be referee Nick Berens, who hopes to not get caught with any errant blows when these two heavy hitters collide. Fists are bumped before they are traded. Menifield charges like a bull to start the fight, marauding forward and swinging his mighty fists with a vengeance. “Atomic Alonzo” lands with a looping right hand but crashes into the cage, and Ulberg turns him around and nails him with a right hook on the temple. A left from Ulberg sends Menifield down to the mat, and Menifield springs back up ready for blood.
Both men winging power shots, Ulberg’s cruise missile of a left hand finds its home on the jaw and puts Menifield down in a heap. Berens leaps between them when Menifield hits the deck, and Menifield protests but is holding his head and not entirely with it.
Menifield gets back upright, but his knees are wobbly, and his cries fall on deaf ears. This ridiculous fight wraps in less than 15 seconds, and it will clock in the top five at light heavyweight for fastest finishes when the time is official. The victorious Ulberg calls for his placement in the latest video game, while declaring that he will destroy any opponent in the top 10.
The Official Result
Carlos Ulberg def. Alonzo Menifield R1 0:12 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Carlos Ulberg because he is the better striker with legitimate fight-ending power and excellent takedown defense. He notes Ulberg's striking differential is impressive and he has a professional kickboxing background. He acknowledges Alonzo Menifield's power and takedown defense but believes Ulberg's technical striking and power give him the edge.
Big Brady picks Carlos Ulberg by decision, noting his volume advantage (over double Menifield's) and power. He trusts Ulberg the longer the fight goes, as Menifield typically wins in the first round and has a questionable loss to William Knight. He expects Ulberg to do better work across 15 minutes, and if Menifield wrestles, he will only get tired faster.
Cody picks Ulberg, praising his improved kickboxing and ability to maintain volume without gassing. He notes that Ulberg learned from his loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu and now fights more conservatively, conserving energy. Cody believes Ulberg's superior technique and range will outpoint Menifield, who has poor cardio and relies on power. He also mentions that Menifield's wrestling is not a major threat, as he is not a good wrestler and gasses quickly.
Daniel Vreeland picks Carlos Ulberg, highlighting his counter-striking style and the fact that his only loss came from gassing after a high-output first round. He notes that Ulberg can fight both safely and aggressively, and that Menifield's approach will determine the fight. He believes Ulberg has matured since that loss.
The host confidently picks Ulberg due to his lateral movement, jab, and range management, which should keep Menifield at bay. He notes Menifield's power and ability to change fights with one shot, but believes Ulberg's discipline and striking volume will earn a decision. He expects Ulberg to avoid big shots and outpoint Menifield over three rounds.
Paul picks Ulberg, emphasizing his clean kickboxing and ability to stay at range. He notes that Menifield has struggled against technical strikers like Justin Jacoby, and Ulberg presents similar problems. Paul points out that Menifield's takedowns are muscled and not technically sound, and he gasses quickly. He expects Ulberg to outpoint Menifield or land a kill shot, but advises caution due to Menifield's power.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Ulberg over Alonzo Menifield, despite considering an upset. He criticizes Menifield's mental game and notes his win over Jacoby was due to Jacoby's recklessness. He believes Ulberg's low kicks and elusive style will be effective, and predicts a late TKO or decision win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 68 of 117 | 58% | 95 of 145 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 2:03 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 93 of 150 | 62% | 113 of 171 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 14 of 30 | 46% | 25 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 28 of 44 | 63% | 38 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:17 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 27 of 48 | 56% | 28 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 31 of 55 | 56% | 31 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 1 | 27 of 39 | 69% | 42 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:35 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 34 of 51 | 66% | 44 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 68 of 117 | 58% | 58 of 104 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 51 of 94 | 14 of 20 | 3 of 3 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 93 of 150 | 62% | 69 of 122 | 15 of 18 | 9 of 10 | 78 of 135 | 15 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 14 of 30 | 46% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 25 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 28 of 44 | 63% | 16 of 32 | 9 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 22 of 38 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 27 of 48 | 56% | 20 of 39 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 8 | 25 of 44 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 31 of 55 | 56% | 25 of 46 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 29 of 53 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Alonzo Menifield | 27 of 39 | 69% | 24 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 25 | 10 of 11 | 3 of 3 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 34 of 51 | 66% | 28 of 44 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 27 of 44 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jacoby (-270), Menifield (+220)
Round 1
The preliminary headliner has changed on fight week, and it will now come between two light heavyweight strikers in what could be a real barnburner. Menifield (14-3-1, 7-3-1 UFC) is looking to push his unbeaten streak to five, and Jacoby (19-7-1, 7-4-1 UFC) wants to string some momentum together to make another run up the ladder. Referee Chris Tognoni dons his proverbial hard hat as these two men will be swinging with bad intentions for as long as it lasts. Before they swing for the fences, the 205ers bump their gloves together while nodding in excitement. Both men are cautious to engage for the first 25 seconds, until Menifield wings two hooks that both come up short. Menifield reaches out with a jab, and Jacoby answers him with one of his own. Menifield again misses with an overhand right, and Jacoby prods out a few more jabs to keep the power swinging Menifield at bay. Jacoby kicks the inside thigh and loops a left hand around the guard, and he ducks away from a huge strike from Menifield. Jacoby stays busy with jabs and leg kicks, and he keeps his guard high to block the worst of the blows. Menifield scores a single left hook, and Jacoby puts his foot on the gas and gives chase. Menifield just misses a right hand that bumps into the chest, and he swings for the bleachers with wide, inaccurate punches. Jacoby sees the majority of those home run strikes coming and is able to block or evade them, and he crowds Menifield until Menifield sprints at him in search of a takedown. Jacoby tosses him to the side and allows Menifield to stand back up, and he just blocks a left hook. Jacoby rings Menifield’s bell with a right hand, and he gets stung with a counter. Jacoby crowds his man, and Menifield welcomes the clinch and tries to turn him around or throw him to the floor. Jacoby stays on his feet and knees the body, as the two jockey for position from up close. Jacoby continues to press his weight on his opponent, and Menifield eventually turns him around and lands a single right hook. Jacoby does not like this, lines up a knee down the middle, and the slow round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Round 2
The 205ers meet in the middle with a glove touch, and Jacoby gets right back into his jabbing groove. Menifield gets tired of playing the jab and miss game, and he bites down on his mouthpiece and drives out a straight left that blasts Jacoby in the face. Jacoby stumbles from one side of the cage to the other, but he manages to gather his thoughts when ricocheting off the fence before Menifield can pounce. Jacoby recovers, but Menifield drives home two fierce leg kicks that give him pause. Jacoby lands a few jabs, and Menifield tries his own and lands a leg kick on the inside. Jacoby takes the left hand flush and is no worse for wear, and he parries a second. Menifield cracks the former Glory kickboxer with a right hand, stunning him but not putting him down. Jacoby hands on tight and hurts Menifield with a counter. Menifield shakes it off and crashes forward, landing blazing hooks on the side of the head and making Jacoby briefly rethink his life decision leading to that point. Jacoby tries to fire back, but Menifield is on him throwing merciless punches. Jacoby bounces off the cage and looks to settle down with his rangy jab, but Menifield has found his range and connects with effective counters. Jacoby snaps the head back with a jab, and Menifield backpedals as his right eye begins to swell. Jacoby kicks low, and Menifield returns fire with a far heavier blow that force a stance switch. Jacoby whiffs on a head kick but rifles a jab down the middle, and Menifield dodges a follow-up punch and grazes the side of the head with a left hook. The two clash shins together, and Jacoby gets the worse of it. Jacoby attacks, and Menifield meets him with his own punches until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Menifield
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Jacoby
Round 3
There is a final glove touch to begin the last round. Jacoby flashes out a leg kick, and Menifield is right there to counter him. Jacoby lines up several jabs, and Menifield dodges to the side to avoid most of them but not all. Menifield comes back with an overhand right, and he hops away to avoid a leg kick. Menifield loads up on a big left hook, and Jacoby tanks it and prods out a front kick. Jacoby snipes his man with a one-two, and when Menifield comes up short, Jacoby lands another. Menifield draws his foe into a short firefight, and he bangs a left hook off the temple of “The Hanyak.” Jacoby skillfully lands jab after jab, busting Menifield’s nose up and connecting in great numbers. Menifield gets sick of eating those punches, and he knocks Jacoby clean off his feet with a thunderous left hook. Jacoby falls to his seat, and Menifield tries to seal the deal with several clubbing undercuts beneath Jacoby’s armpit. Jacoby muscles his way back to his feet, and Menifield beats on him with a long series of punches and uppercuts. Jacoby tries to fire back, and Menifield drops down and hits a takedown to put the former kickboxer on his seat. Menifield connects with several jackhammering punches until Jacoby forces Menifield to fall off him and explode back up. The two stay tight in the clinch, and Jacoby considers a takedown that is thwarted. Menifield turns the tables, dropping down for a single, and he bails on it when Tognoni tells him to stay busy. Jacoby looks for inside or outside trips, and Menifield keeps his balance with his back to the wire. Menifield turns him around and knees him in the belly, and he gains enough space to wing a right hand that hurts Jacoby. Menifield gives chase and clubs Jacoby in the face with a pair of hooks, and the bloody battle comes to a conclusion when time expires.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Menifield)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Menifield (29-28 Jacoby)
The Official Result
Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo leans Dustin Jacoby due to his superior kickboxing, noting he was once ranked #2 in the world. He acknowledges Menifield's power and Jacoby's recent vulnerability to being dropped, but believes the technical striking advantage will prevail. He is undecided on betting.
Big Brady picks Dustin Jacoby to win by decision, citing Jacoby's advantages in age, height, striking volume, and cardio. He notes Menifield's inconsistency and poor performances, and believes Menifield's only path is a knockout, which is unlikely given Jacoby's chin (only 1 KO loss in 27 fights). Brady expects Jacoby to use his kicks and volume to outpoint Menifield over three rounds, similar to his fight against Khalil Rountree.
Cody picks Jacoby, agreeing that he is the better striker with superior cardio. He notes that Menifield's wins are over lower-level competition and that Jacoby has fought at a higher level. Cody believes Jacoby will outwork Menifield and potentially get a late TKO or decision. He acknowledges the risk of Menifield's power but thinks Jacoby's volume and experience will prevail.
Lucrative James does not have a strong read on this fight. He feels Dustin Jacoby should win by decision, but he has a nagging feeling that Alonzo Menifield could catch him early with power. He considers it a pass fight, though he mentions that Menifield inside the distance at big odds might be worth a small play.
The host picks Jacoby but thinks the minus 270 line is too wide against a dangerous fighter like Menifield. He praises Jacoby's technical striking, footwork, and precision, and believes he can keep Menifield at bay with kicks and combinations. He notes that Menifield has improved his cardio and clinch work but still expects Jacoby to outpoint him. He suggests a nibble on Jacoby by decision prop.
Paul picks Jacoby, stating that the price looks better than other big favorites on the card. He notes that Jacoby is a better striker with Glory kickboxing experience and has remarkable cardio. He believes Menifield will start hot but fade, and Jacoby will dissect him with volume and potentially get a late TKO or decision. Paul acknowledges Menifield's power but thinks Jacoby's skill set is superior.
The Guru picks Dustin Jacoby over Alonzo Menifield, calling Jacoby one of the most underrated light heavyweights. He highlights Jacoby's impressive wins (e.g., Khalil Rountree, Anthony Smith) and takedown defense. He argues that if Menifield couldn't finish Jimmy Crute on the feet, he won't finish Jacoby. He predicts Jacoby will pick Menifield apart and win by decision or TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 26 of 53 | 49% | 32 of 59 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:12 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 21 of 36 | 58% | 25 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 1:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 25 of 37 | 67% | 31 of 43 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 11 of 16 | 68% | 15 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:40 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 0 | 1 of 16 | 6% | 1 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Jimmy Crute | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alonzo Menifield | 26 of 53 | 49% | 5 of 30 | 19 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 31 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 21 of 36 | 58% | 18 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alonzo Menifield | 25 of 37 | 67% | 4 of 14 | 19 of 20 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 15 | 20 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 11 of 16 | 68% | 8 of 13 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Alonzo Menifield | 1 of 16 | 6% | 1 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jimmy Crute | 10 of 20 | 50% | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Menifield but calls it a 50/50 fight and advises against betting. He notes Menifield's power and takedown defense, and that Crute was surprised by his power in the first fight. He thinks Crute will be hesitant due to being dropped twice, but acknowledges Crute could win if he avoids the power and gets takedowns. He avoids this fight with money.
Big Brady picks Alonzo Menifield to win by first-round knockout. He notes that in their first fight, Menifield had success in the first round, hurting Crute badly, but Crute survived due to weak ground and pound and Menifield gassing. He believes Menifield will land a big shot and knock out Crute, especially given Crute's poor striking defense (45%) and low fight IQ. He cautions that if Mark Goddard is the referee, the fight might not be stopped early.
Cody leans toward Menifield but says the price is accurate as a pick'em. He notes Menifield was winning the first fight until a point deduction led to a draw. He thinks Menifield's power and explosiveness are threats. He is not betting the fight.
Connor picks Menifield because he did so much damage to Crute in their first fight that Crute may not survive that again. Crute's hyper-aggressive approach forces him to walk into fire, and Menifield's power is a constant threat. However, Menifield's cardio and grappling are weaknesses, but Crute's lack of defense makes Menifield the pick.
Daniel Levi picks Crute, arguing that there is a market overcorrection after their draw. He notes that Crute took Menifield down six times in their first fight and believes that with adjustments, Crute can control the fight on the ground. Levi points out that Menifield now trains with Pat Berry, which may improve his striking but likely not his takedown defense. He expects Crute to be more measured this time, using top control and ground-and-pound to secure a win. Levi bet Crute at minus-104 and is confident in the pick.
James does not make a clear pick on the winner, calling the fight too volatile to bet. He sees value on Crute by decision at +600, as he thinks Crute can win via wrestling and decision, but he is not confident enough to bet it. He breaks down the fight: Menifield's win equity is heavily in the KO, while Crute has multiple paths (decision, submission, KO). He caps Crute around -140 but the line at -110 is not enough edge given the volatility.
Crute has a grappling advantage and can take Menifield down and control him on the ground. Menifield has knockout power but slows down as fights progress. Crute will be methodical, avoid getting clipped, and grind out a decision victory. The over 2.5 rounds is also a good play.
Paul picks Crute, noting he is younger and coming off a long layoff with ring rust now gone. He thinks Crute's takedowns will be effective and Menifield's cardio is poor. He expects Crute to make adjustments and win by grinding him down. He mentions Menifield's tendency to fade.
The MMA Guru picks Jimmy Crute, changing his initial opinion after rewatching the first fight. He believes Crute's early guillotine attempt cost him dominant position, and if he stays patient and focuses on positional control, he can win. He predicts a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Zane picks Menifield because he is a better athlete and can absolutely wreck Crute with a few punches, as he did in their first fight. Crute is reckless and aggressive but not durable, and Menifield's power and violence should overwhelm him again. However, Menifield's poor cardio and grappling control make it a volatile fight, but Crute has no safe places in his game.
Expert Picks (8)
Angelo picks Alonzo Menifield, despite acknowledging his sloppy striking, because of his excellent takedown defense and power. He expects Jimmy Crute to grapple early, but Menifield's 85% takedown defense should hold up, allowing him to land big shots. He has a small bet on Menifield at +185 and will include him in a Monkey Knife Fight knockout entry.
Big Brady picks the underdog Menifield, citing Crute's poor fight IQ and Menifield's explosive power and takedown defense. He thinks if Crute tries to strike, Menifield can knock him out. He predicts a first-round knockout for Menifield but admits he loses money on both fighters.
Cody picks Crute but with low confidence due to Crute's long layoff and knee injury. He notes Crute has great skills but is hittable and durability is a question. He sees Menifield as a live underdog with power and decent takedown defense. He thinks Crute's path is takedowns and control, but Menifield could land a big shot.
Connor picks Crute, noting that Menifield tends to shut down when pressured. He highlights that Crute's aggressive, high-volume style will overwhelm Menifield, who lacks defensive depth and counter-punching ability. Connor also mentions that Crute's wrestling and kicks will create opportunities, and that Menifield's poor reactions to getting hit will be exploited. He acknowledges Crute's flaws but sees Menifield's mental fragility as a bigger issue.
Crute's kicking game and cardio will be key. He can stay on the outside and avoid Menifield's power. Menifield slows down in later rounds and has poor cardio. Crute's BJJ is a threat if it goes to the ground, but he likely keeps it standing and outpoints Menifield. Crute has made life changes and looks in phenomenal shape. Menifield's only path is an early KO, but Crute's movement and kicks should neutralize that.
Paul took Menifield at +180, citing Crute's long layoff, fragility, and Menifield's power. He worries about Menifield's gas tank but thinks the price is worth the risk. He notes Menifield has decent takedown defense and submission game if taken down.
The MMA Guru picks Alonzo Menifield as an underdog over Jimmy Crute, citing Menifield's power and recent KO wins. He worries Crute will test his stand-up too long and get caught, predicting a first-round KO for Menifield. He notes Crute's grappling is elite but expects him to be too confident on the feet.
Zane also picks Crute, agreeing that Menifield's tendency to freeze under pressure is a key factor. He notes that Crute's constant forward pressure and power shots will likely cause Menifield to hesitate and become defensive. Zane also points out that Menifield is not a good counter-puncher and struggles when forced to fight off the back foot. He believes Crute's aggression will be rewarded.
**Pick:** Split (Zane picks Jimmy Crute, Connor picks Ivan Urslan) **Analysis:** This is a battle between two fighters who are primarily effective in the first round. Jimmy Crute has a history of getting tired, losing confidence, and mentally breaking down if a fight extends. Ivan Urslan is a nuts and bolts slugger who also hasn't won a fight past the first round since 2018. Zane's pick for Crute is based on the idea that if the fight becomes a sloppy wrestling match after the first round, Crute's submission grappling is the most dangerous skill either man possesses. Connor's pick for Urslan is a bet against Crute's infamous tendency to fall apart. **Props:** No specific props were mentioned.
**Pick:** Jimmy Crute **Analysis:** While acknowledging Crute's cardio issues and shaky durability past the first round, his high-level BJJ is the key. Urslan's weakness on the ground is evident - he's been taken down and had his back taken in both of his UFC fights. Crute will get the fight to the mat early. **Props:** Crute by first-round submission. The 'Crute by Submission' prop at +265 is recommended over 'Crute in Round 1' as it offers the same odds but covers a submission in any round.
**Pick:** Jimmy Crute **Analysis:** Although Crute has inconsistencies, cardio issues, and recent retirement, he's the more skilled fighter everywhere. Crute has a significant advantage in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Urslan is a rudimentary, low-output striker, which is unlikely to pressure Crute enough to cause him to gas out. **Props:** No specific props were mentioned.
Ivan in his two previous fights has ok people on the feet opting to wrestle. Rd1 he is dangerous hurting both opponents in previous two outings. He seems to be ok atwrestling defense ATT croatia but still can be taken down.