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Menifield Beats Baraniewski Despite Gruesome Broken Thumb

The split-decision handed the previously unbeaten prospect his first loss, prompting scrutiny of the ringside medical clearance and uncertainty over Menifield’s recovery.

Overview

  • Alonzo Menifield won a split decision over Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331, handing the Polish prospect his first professional defeat after three rounds of action.
  • Menifield suffered a compound fracture to his left thumb in the opening round that left bone protruding through the skin and visibly mangled as the fight continued.
  • A ringside physician inspected Menifield’s thumb between rounds two and three and cleared him to keep fighting, allowing the bout to finish on the judges’ cards.
  • Two judges scored the bout 29-28 for Menifield and one scored it 29-28 for Baraniewski, a razor-close result that sparked immediate fan debate over the decision.
  • Menifield was taken to a local hospital after the event for X-rays and precautionary evaluation, UFC CEO Dana White circulated graphic images of the injury, and scans or any commission medical suspension have not been publicly released.