Overview
- Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision at UFC 331, with official scorecards reading 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
- Cameras and post-fight photos showed Menifield sustaining a compound fracture to his left thumb in round one with bone protruding, and he completed all three rounds.
- A ringside doctor examined Menifield between rounds and cleared him to continue, a decision that has prompted public debate over in-fight medical oversight.
- The loss ends Baraniewski’s 9-0 run and first-round finish streak, while the win moves Menifield to 19-6-1 and could change near-term light heavyweight matchmaking.
- Menifield displayed the injured thumb in his Octagon interview and has indicated he will need medical treatment, which will shape recovery time and his next fight plans.