Alonzo Menifield will face Iwo Baraniewski. Their bout will take place 20 September 2026 at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, USA.
Alonzo Menifield
Menifield has always been an imposing big man who could confidently be put on any card to deliver entertaining fights. But he has developed into a capable striker who is not far off the top 10. The question is whether the American can adapt to an opponent like Baraniewski.
Alonzo will move along the cage, relying on his powerful looping punches. But working solely as a counter-puncher will not bring him victory. At some point, the American will have to come forward and try to floor his opponent at mid-range.
Menifield's chances of beating Baraniewski will improve if he keeps a high guard and constantly cuts off the cage. Otherwise, Iwo will simply run him over, as Oezdemir did.
Iwo Baraniewski
If you have missed wild stand-up exchanges and unexpected knockouts, Iwo is the fighter for you. At times, even he is surprised by how quickly his opponents hit the canvas. Sometimes a couple of sharp low kicks are all he needs.
A fighter with this style always comes forward, unafraid of counterattacks. He will try to evade a couple of Menifield's shots, but will mostly press forward himself, throwing one power hook after another. If he can secure a takedown, Iwo will rush to finish the American with heavy ground-and-pound.
Baraniewski is a predictable fighter, but that does not make things any easier for his opponents, as nobody has yet managed to stop his pressure. And against Menifield, who has lost by knockout four times, Iwo will be even more confident.
Alonzo Menifield vs Iwo Baraniewski Prediction
This is one of those fights where you expect a finish not in the first or second round, but within the first ten seconds. Of course, under 0.5 would be a bold bet, but under 1.5 looks ideal for this bout.
Baraniewski's style is geared solely towards a finish, while Menifield has no way to slow this fight down. He also hits hard himself. Menifield's knockout power and Baraniewski's open defence are the main factors in the American's favour. The underdog has a weaker chin, but he will not need to engage in prolonged exchanges. One or two clean shots will be enough to produce a spectacular highlight.
It is also important that Alonzo is far more experienced than the Pole. Menifield has repeatedly lost to knockout artists through foolish mistakes and clearly does not want to be put to sleep again before the event is over. Given that the American is far from an unremarkable prelims heavyweight, the odds on him look appealing.
