Overview
- Alonzo Menifield beat Iwo Baraniewski by split decision at UFC 331, with judges scoring the fight 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
- Menifield sustained a compound fracture to his left thumb in the opening round, showed the injury on the broadcast, and was checked by a ringside physician between rounds before choosing to continue.
- The victory snapped Baraniewski’s undefeated record and ended his streak of first-round finishes, marking the first time the Polish fighter went past Round 1 in his pro career.
- Menifield’s record improved to 19-6-1 and the win could move him toward higher-ranked light heavyweight opponents once he recovers from the thumb injury.
- Oddsmakers had favored Baraniewski before the fight and the graphic nature of Menifield’s injury dominated post-fight coverage, raising questions about his immediate medical treatment and short-term availability.