Career Averages - Azamat Murzakanov
Career Averages - Alonzo Menifield
Azamat Murzakanov
Alonzo Menifield
Azamat Murzakanov - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 34 of 70 | 48% | 34 of 70 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Paulo Costa | 1 | 55 of 80 | 68% | 61 of 86 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 7 of 26 | 26% | 7 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 21 of 31 | 67% | 23 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 23 of 38 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Paulo Costa | 0 | 19 of 31 | 61% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0:49 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Paulo Costa | 1 | 15 of 18 | 83% | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 34 of 70 | 48% | 26 of 59 | 8 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 65 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 55 of 80 | 68% | 27 of 44 | 16 of 23 | 12 of 13 | 44 of 66 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 7 of 26 | 26% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 21 of 31 | 67% | 8 of 14 | 5 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 14 of 22 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 7 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 23 of 38 | 60% | 16 of 30 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 34 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 19 of 31 | 61% | 9 of 17 | 7 of 10 | 3 of 4 | 15 of 26 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Paulo Costa | 15 of 18 | 83% | 10 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power, wrestling, and knockdowns in every UFC fight. He acknowledges Paulo Costa's recent good performance but is skeptical of Costa moving up in weight and his history of canceled fights. He expects Azamat to bring pressure and suggests a possible over 1.5 rounds bet.
Big Brady is impressed with Murzakanov's speed, power, takedown defense, and defensive striking. He notes that Murzakanov's cardio has improved and he carries power late. He doubts Paulo Costa's recent performances, citing losses to Vettori, Strickland, and Adesanya. He predicts Murzakanov wins by decision, possibly hurting Costa but not finishing him.
Cody picks Costa as an underdog, believing he can weather Murzakanov's early storm and outwork him in later rounds. He notes Murzakanov's low volume and Costa's durability, expecting a decision win for Costa.
Connor picks Murzakanov, citing Costa's inconsistency and lack of defensive awareness. He notes that Murzakanov is a one-shot knockout artist with excellent timing and defensive awareness, and that Costa's high-volume, low-defense style leaves him vulnerable. Connor also questions Costa's motivation and his move up to light heavyweight, suggesting that Murzakanov's calm, patient approach will allow him to land a clean shot. He compares Murzakanov to Fedor Emelianenko in terms of timing and cage craft.
Daniel believes Murzakanov is being disrespected and sees him as a heavy hitter with good takedown defense. He thinks Costa gets discouraged in fights and that Murzakanov will box him up.
Daniel Vreeland picks Azamat Murzakanov because he believes Murzakanov is criminally underrated and has been disrespected by oddsmakers. He notes that Murzakanov has heavy hands and good wrestling, and that Costa's cardio and discipline are questionable. He also points out that Costa's move up to light heavyweight may not help his psyche or performance.
The host thinks the odds are too aggressive favoring Murzakanov (implied probability 67%) and would cap the fight closer to 50/50. He believes Costa has better cardio and is the more complete striker, while Murzakanov is a better boxer with more power but fades after the first round. He prefers the underdog value on Costa but is not confident in a win.
James picks Murzakanov, citing his power, speed, and accuracy advantage over Costa, who he believes is on a downtrend and not suited for light heavyweight. He expects Murzakanov to hurt Costa early and possibly finish him.
Costa's durability and volume should be too much for Murzakanov, who relies heavily on knockout power. Murzakanov has been close to losing in several fights and his power may not phase Costa. Costa's athleticism and counter-striking can neutralize Murzakanov's blitzes. Costa looked sharp against Kopylov and can outpoint or even knock out Murzakanov. This is a winnable fight for Costa at plus money.
Paul favors Murzakanov due to Costa's questionable commitment and Murzakanov's knockout power. He thinks Costa may be one foot in, one foot out, while Murzakanov's sole purpose is knocking dudes out.
The MMA Guru picks Paulo Costa over Azamat Murzakanov. He is very confident, calling it a 'masterclass'. He believes Costa's speed, body kicks, and technical striking will be too much for Murzakanov, who he thinks is overrated and whose best days are behind him. He predicts a TKO in round two via body kick or similar.
Zane picks Murzakanov, emphasizing Costa's psychological fragility and tendency to fade when pressured. He notes that Murzakanov does a lot of maintenance work—cutting off the cage, feinting, and being defensively aware—which will set up his knockout power. Zane also points out that Costa's only recent good performance was against Roman Kopylov, and that moving up to light heavyweight again raises questions about his commitment. He believes Murzakanov's timing and power will be too much for Costa, who is prone to getting hit and may not want to engage.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 4 of 9 | 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 | Aleksandar Rakić | 0 | 9 of 14 | 64% | 13 of 18 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 3 of 8 | 37% | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Rakić | 9 of 14 | 64% | 0 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 8 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandar Rakić | 9 of 14 | 64% | 0 of 3 | 3 of 4 | 6 of 7 | 8 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 8 | 37% | 1 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo leans toward Azamat Murzakanov despite acknowledging Rakic's reach and technical striking. He notes Murzakanov has knockdowns in all six UFC fights and is powerful, but also small for the division. Angelo thinks Rakic is too low-volume and used to losing, and he might sprinkle a small bet on Murzakanov if the odds widen.
Big Brady leans toward Aleksandar Rakić, despite Murzakanov's undefeated record. He notes Rakić has faced elite competition (former champions) and has a significant size advantage (4-inch height, 7.5-inch reach). Brady expects Rakić's superior cardio and leg kicks to be decisive as Murzakanov slows down in fights. He predicts a close decision win for Rakić, though he hates picking against Murzakanov.
Cody picks Azamat Murzakanov despite the size disadvantage, citing his undefeated record and knockout power. He notes that Rakić is on a three-fight losing streak and may have confidence issues, while Murzakanov finds a way to win. Cody acknowledges that Rakić is world-class and will have moments, but believes Murzakanov's power and finishing ability will prevail, though he expects a close fight.
Connor picks Rakić, arguing that Murzakanov's level of competition has been low and his size disadvantage will be too much. He believes Rakić's reach and kicking game will keep Murzakanov at bay, and that Murzakanov's low output will cost him rounds. Connor thinks this is a step too far for Murzakanov.
Daniel Vreeland questions Rakić's confidence and durability, noting his tendency to fade and his recent losses. He believes Murzakanov's pressure, southpaw power, and ability to close distance will overwhelm Rakić. He predicts Murzakanov will walk Rakić down, get into punching range, and knock him out. He acknowledges Murzakanov's cardio issues but thinks he can finish early.
Lucrative James picks Aleksandar Rakić, but hesitantly. He cites Rakić's experience against top competition (Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev) and his size advantage, which could make his head kicks effective. He notes Murzakanov's power and explosiveness but questions his cardio and level of competition. He believes Rakić can win the minutes and land kicks from the outside, but acknowledges Murzakanov's danger.
The host believes Rakić can stay away from Murzakanov's power, chip away with calf kicks, and mix in grappling. He thinks Rakić's size and strength will lead to a knockout.
Paul also picks Murzakanov but is hesitant, noting the size difference and Rakić's speed. He plans to wait for weigh-ins to get a better price, as Murzakanov may drift to plus money. Paul acknowledges that Murzakanov's cardio is a concern, but believes his power and the Abu Dhabi crowd support give him an edge.
The MMA Guru picks Aleksandar Rakić by decision, but admits he is hesitant. He notes that Azamat Murzakanov is undefeated and has KO power, but Rakić has a significant reach advantage and has trained with Jon Jones. He believes Rakić's low kicks and range management will be key, and that Murzakanov's shorter frame may struggle to land. He references Rakić's close fight with Magomed Ankalaev and his performance against Jiri Prochazka before getting injured. He expects a 29-28 decision, possibly with a scare in the third round.
Zane picks Murzakanov, comparing him to a wolverine who will not accept losing. He believes Murzakanov will absorb early damage from Rakić's kicks but then storm forward and steal rounds with crushing offense. Zane notes Rakić's tendency to fall apart under pressure and thinks Murzakanov's aggression will be the difference.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 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 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 | 27 of 36 | 75% | 29 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 27 of 36 | 75% | 23 of 32 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 20 of 26 |
| Brendson Ribeiro | 8 of 22 | 36% | 3 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov confidently, noting his power, wrestling, and durability. He highlights that Azamat has a knockdown in all five UFC fights and showed a second gear when rocked by Alonzo Menifield. He thinks Brendson Ribeiro is hittable and has a quit button. He includes Azamat in a parlay as one of his most confident picks.
Big Brady is confident in Murzakanov despite his age (jokes he is in his 70s). He praises Murzakanov's striking and well-rounded game, and thinks Ribeiro is hittable and doesn't like getting hit. He expects Murzakanov to find a knockout early, possibly in the first round, noting his history of second- and third-round KOs but thinking this one comes sooner.
The fight might be closer than the odds indicate, especially if Murzakanov leans on his striking. Ribeiro has a huge height and reach advantage that could cause trouble, but Murzakanov is expected to eventually get to his grappling and find a ground-and-pound finish.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov, praising his deceptive speed, composure, and power. He compares his striking to Fedor and notes he beat Dustin Jacoby and destroyed Yorgan De Castro. He believes Murzakanov sets traps and will finish Ribeiro by TKO in round one or two. He calls the matchmaking dumb as Murzakanov is a level above.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 64 of 131 | 48% | 96 of 167 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 3:06 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 67 of 127 | 52% | 70 of 130 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 19 of 39 | 48% | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 25 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 21 of 40 | 52% | 37 of 56 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:17 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 1 | 26 of 45 | 57% | 29 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 40 of 72 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:49 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 0 | 16 of 32 | 50% | 16 of 32 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 64 of 131 | 48% | 36 of 95 | 8 of 12 | 20 of 24 | 60 of 126 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 67 of 127 | 52% | 51 of 110 | 12 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 64 of 122 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 19 of 39 | 48% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 11 | 19 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 25 of 50 | 50% | 20 of 44 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 25 of 48 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 21 of 40 | 52% | 12 of 27 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 9 | 20 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 26 of 45 | 57% | 20 of 39 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 43 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 24 of 52 | 46% | 16 of 44 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 21 of 48 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Dustin Jacoby | 16 of 32 | 50% | 11 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dustin Jacoby as the better technical striker, noting he was ranked 2nd in the world in kickboxing. However, he is not betting because Jacoby lacks power and Murzakanov hits very hard and has comeback KO power. He expects Jacoby to need to point-fight perfectly for 15 minutes to win, which is risky.
Big Brady picks Dustin Jacoby to win by decision. He cites Jacoby's size, reach, and volume advantages, as well as his good takedown defense and chin. He doubts Murzakanov's cardio and ability to take Jacoby down, and believes Jacoby will outpoint him over three rounds. He notes Murzakanov's power but thinks Jacoby can absorb it.
Cody notes Murzakanov is a first-round finisher but low volume, while Jacoby throws high volume (120+ strikes). He thinks Jacoby's reach and cardio will be key, and that Murzakanov's power shots may not be enough to overcome Jacoby's output. He prefers to bet Jacoby live after the first round.
Connor also picks Jacoby, agreeing that Murzakanov's power-punching style is ill-suited for Jacoby's rangey, technical approach. He notes that Jacoby is durable and has only been knocked out by elite punchers like King Mo and Alex Pereira. Connor believes Murzakanov's lack of combination punching and setup will leave him vulnerable to Jacoby's consistent output and counter-striking.
Jacoby's range, footwork, and kicks will keep Murzakanov at distance. Murzakanov's cardio and wrestling are questionable, and he tends to fade. Jacoby's disciplined striking and cardio advantage should lead to a clear decision victory. Murzakanov is difficult to finish, so expect a full 15 minutes.
Paul sides with Jacoby's volume and reach advantage (5 inches). He notes Murzakanov may be undersized at 205 and that Jacoby's output should overwhelm him. He agrees with Cody that the live market may offer better value.
The MMA Guru picks Dustin Jacoby to win by unanimous decision, citing Jacoby's length, footwork, and striking output. He warns Jacoby must avoid a war and use leg kicks from the outside to outpoint Murzakanov, who has fight-ending power but slow starts. He notes the -190 line is a bit high and would prefer -170, but still sides with Jacoby.
Zane picks Jacoby, citing his volume, durability, and technical kickboxing as too much for Murzakanov. He notes that Murzakanov is a one-dimensional power puncher who relies on timing and rhythm changes, but Jacoby's jab, kicks, and counter-punching will keep him at range. Zane also points out that Murzakanov's wins have come against lower-level competition, while Jacoby has proven himself against tougher opponents like Khalil Rountree.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 14 of 52 | 26% | 39 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 79 of 106 | 74% | 95 of 127 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 3:40 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 6 of 23 | 26% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 7 of 15 | 46% | 12 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:52 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 5 of 19 | 26% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Devin Clark | 0 | 41 of 52 | 78% | 52 of 64 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:24 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Devin Clark | 1 | 31 of 39 | 79% | 31 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 14 of 52 | 26% | 4 of 29 | 3 of 7 | 7 of 16 | 13 of 50 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 79 of 106 | 74% | 41 of 65 | 31 of 34 | 7 of 7 | 24 of 42 | 9 of 9 | 46 of 55 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 6 of 23 | 26% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 7 of 15 | 46% | 4 of 12 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 5 of 19 | 26% | 2 of 12 | 1 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 17 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 41 of 52 | 78% | 12 of 21 | 22 of 24 | 7 of 7 | 10 of 18 | 9 of 9 | 22 of 25 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Devin Clark | 31 of 39 | 79% | 25 of 32 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 24 of 30 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, citing his power and wrestling credentials. He notes Devin Clark has chin issues and Murzakanov is the more dangerous fighter. He likes the value at -170, believing the line should be closer to -200.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to knock out Devin Clark early, likely in the first round. He notes that Murzakanov has power that carries into later rounds, as shown in his last fight. Clark has poor striking defense (46%) and has been finished in six of seven losses. Murzakanov is a much better striker and has dangerous ground and pound. Brady expects a quick finish.
Cody picks Murzakanov by knockout, noting he liked him coming into the TUF fight and cashed his flying knee finish. He thinks the line is moving toward Clark, so he may wait for a better price. Cody believes Murzakanov has enough grappling to keep the fight standing and will land a knockout.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, dismissing the narrative that his last win was a fluke. He explains that Murzakanov was winning on two scorecards before the finish and that his speed and power will be too much for Devin Clark. Levi notes that Clark tends to blitz with his chin up and that Murzakanov has knockout power, predicting a KO win.
The host expects an early finish from Murzakanov, noting his big power but not much volume. He includes Murzakanov in his totals parlay under 1.5 rounds, expecting a first-round KO.
Paul picks Murzakanov by knockout in round two. He criticizes Clark's durability and low volume, noting Clark has been knocked out before and relies on pressing opponents against the cage. Paul believes Murzakanov has heavier hands and will clip Clark with something like a flying knee.
The host picks Azamat Murzakanov, recalling his previous knockout of Devin Clark in a regional tournament. He trusts Murzakanov's stand-up and grappling, and believes Clark has taken too much damage over his career. He expects a first-round TKO in a firefight, though he acknowledges Clark's power makes it risky.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 43 of 98 | 43% | 50 of 105 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 28 of 69 | 40% | 28 of 70 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 17 of 40 | 42% | 24 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:14 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 13 of 31 | 41% | 13 of 32 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:11 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 25 of 52 | 48% | 25 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 0 | 12 of 31 | 38% | 12 of 31 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:26 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 0 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 1 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Murzakanov | 43 of 98 | 43% | 14 of 59 | 17 of 27 | 12 of 12 | 35 of 88 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 28 of 69 | 40% | 25 of 60 | 3 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 26 of 67 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Murzakanov | 17 of 40 | 42% | 5 of 22 | 7 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 12 of 33 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 13 of 31 | 41% | 11 of 24 | 2 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Murzakanov | 25 of 52 | 48% | 8 of 32 | 10 of 13 | 7 of 7 | 22 of 49 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 12 of 31 | 38% | 11 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 10 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Azamat Murzakanov | 1 of 6 | 16% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tafon Nchukwi | 3 of 7 | 42% | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Azamat Murzakanov, expecting him to use his wrestling despite being known for striking. He notes that Tafon Nchukwi has more high-level experience but tends to back up and slow down under pressure. He believes Murzakanov's forward pressure and wrestling will be the difference.
Big Brady picks Azamat Murzakanov to win by first-round TKO. He notes Murzakanov is very well-rounded with heavy hands and a solid top game, but has cardio concerns since he's never been to a third round. He thinks Murzakanov can hurt Nchukwi on the feet or take him down and finish him, referencing Nchukwi's poor get-up game against Jung Park. However, he won't bet the fight due to the cardio and low-output risks.
Cody is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
Daniel Levi picks Azamat Murzakanov, stating that he is a little more experienced, smarter, and more comfortable in the cage. He thinks Murzakanov will point-fight for three rounds or possibly find a finish. Levi acknowledges Tafon Nchukwi's power and potential but believes Murzakanov's experience and fewer mistakes will be the difference.
Murzakanov is a fast, agile striker with good cardio and takedown ability. He can close distance quickly and has power in both hands. Nchukwi has speed and cardio issues, and may overextend. Murzakanov is expected to outwork Nchukwi over 15 minutes or finish late, with a decision at plus 320 being a value play.
Paul is confident in Murzakanov, citing his speed, power, and well-rounded skills. He notes Nchukwi's size but believes Murzakanov's speed and pressure will be too much. He mentions a parlay with Ankalaev.
The MMA Guru picks Azamat Murzakanov over Tafon Nchukwi, citing his nasty hands and power advantage. He notes that Murzakanov has laid opponents out cold and has grappling to fall back on, referencing a video of him beating Ion Cuțelaba in a grappling competition. He predicts a first-round TKO, trusting Murzakanov's physicality and technique despite Nchukwi having good stand-up of his own.
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 (7)
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.
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