Alonzo Menifield

Alonzo Theodoro Menifield (born October 18, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2015, he has formerly fought in Bellator and the Legacy Fighting Alliance. As of August 13, 2024, he is #15 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

Background

Menifield was born in Los Angeles, California. After his father passed away, his mother raised him and his brother until the age of 14 when the boys were put in foster care. Menifield bounced around between 12 different foster homes. Menifield attended Canyon High School for only two years, but graduated and excelled at football. Menifield continued his football career at NJCAA Glendale Community College (California), where he starred as primarily a linebacker and was an Honorable Mention All-American his sophomore year as well as a member of the track and field team. After his first two seasons at Glendale, Menifield earned a scholarship to Texas A&M University–Commerce where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Menifield later played football professionally in both the CFL and Arena Football League.

Mixed martial arts career

Menifield made his MMA debut at heavyweight against Zach Rosol on November 20, 2015 at Bellator 146. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Menifield then moved to light heavyweight and won his next two fights via TKO and KO before fighting in Dana White's Contender Series.

Menifield faced UFC veteran Daniel Jolly on July 25, 2017 at Dana White's Contender Series 3. He won the fight via TKO at the end of round one due to an eye injury but failed to secure a contract with the UFC.

Menifield was provided with a second chance against Dashawn Boatwright on June 16, 2018 at Dana White's Contender Series 9. He won via TKO with ground on pound strikes within the first 8 seconds of the first round and was awarded with a UFC contract.

Menifield made his UFC debut on January 19, 2019 against Vinicius Moreira at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw. He won the fight via TKO with punches in round one.

Menifield then faced Paul Craig on June 29, 2019 at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos. He won the fight via KO with punches in round one.

Menifield then faced Devin Clark on June 6, 2020 at UFC 250. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Menifield was scheduled to face Ovince Saint Preux on August 22, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 15. Just hours before the event was scheduled to begin, it was announced that the bout was canceled due to Saint Preux testing positive for COVID-19. The bout eventually took place on September 5, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 176. Menifield lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

Menifield was expected to face William Knight on February 27, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 186. However, the bout was postponed during the week leading up to the event after Menifield tested positive for COVID-19. The pairing was expected to be left intact and rescheduled for UFC 260. This time Knight was removed due to COVID-19 protocols and was replaced by promotional newcomer Fabio Cherant. At the weight-ins, Cherant weighted 206.5 pounds, half a pound over the non-title light heavyweight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and he was fined 20% of his individual purse, which went to his opponent Menifield. Menifield won the fight via Von Flue choke in round one.

Menifield faced Ed Herman on August 7, 2021 at UFC 265. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Menifield was scheduled to face William Knight on February 27, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 186. However, the bout was postponed during the week leading up to the event after Menifield testing positive for COVID-19. The pairing was expected to be left intact and rescheduled for UFC 260. This time Knight was removed due to COVID-19 protocols. The pair was rescheduled to December 4, 2021 at UFC on ESPN 31. Menifield lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Menifield was scheduled to face Nicolae Negumereanu on June 4, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 207. However, Negumereanu was removed from the event for undisclosed reasons and he was replaced by Askar Mozharov. Menifield won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

Menifield faced Misha Cirkunov on October 15, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 212. He won the fight via knockout in round one.

Menifield faced Jimmy Crute on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284. After a point deduction in the third round due to Menifield grabbing the fence, the fight ended in a majority draw.

Menifield then faced Crute in a rematch on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290. He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the second round.

Menifield faced Dustin Jacoby on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Menifield next stepped in to replace Dominick Reyes against Carlos Ulberg at UFC on ESPN 54 on March 30, 2024. On February 20, 2024 it was reported that the fight was rescheduled for UFC on ESPN 56 on May 11, 2024. Menifield lost by knockout 12 seconds into the first round.

Menifield faced Azamat Murzakanov on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7. He lost the fight by knockout in the second round.

Personal life

Menifield is married and has two sons; Alonzo Jr., and Xavier.

Championships and accomplishments

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Performance of the Night (One Time) vs. Paul Craig

Mixed martial arts record