UFC sensation Iwo Baraniewski saw his hype fall at UFC 331. In the opening fight of the main card of the event held this Saturday (19), in California (USA), Alonzo Menifield surprised, ignored the underdog status and, even injured, came out on top in the light heavyweight (up to 93 kg). The experienced American injured his finger in the first round, but showed composure and overcame the Pole by split decision, ending his undefeated streak in MMA.
Victory through grit
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Knockout fighters didn't hold back. Initially, Menifield looked superior and startled Iwo with his punches. However, Iwo gradually got into the fight and rocked Menifield with a straight right. Lethal and explosive, Iwo continued to deliver punches and knees to Menifield. When he rocked Menifield again, Iwo took the opportunity to take him down, but lost the position. Standing, Iwo landed three powerful punches to Menifield's face, who responded with a straight right.
In the second round, Menifield attacked Iwo with everything he had and created danger. After the scare, Iwo used the clinch to control Menifield, but didn't cause any damage. In the striking exchanges, the fighters landed punches on each other. Even tired, Iwo landed powerful punches on Menifield, who responded with a cross that rocked him. Physically fresher, Menifield continued to deliver punches to Iwo. Despite the disadvantage, Iwo didn't give up and also posed a threat to Menifield with his punches. In the final seconds, Menifield blitzed Iwo and finished with the advantage.
In the third round, the fighters exchanged powerful punches. Iwo took Menifield down, but couldn't control him on the ground. Tired, Iwo continued trying to take Menifield down, but couldn't. As the fight became stalled, the fans booed the athletes, who continued in the clinch. Separated by the referee, the fighters resumed exchanging blows. Menifield landed a good straight punch on Iwo, who responded in kind. In the final stretch, Menifield relied on volume of strikes and landed some hits on Iwo.
UFC 331 results
MAIN CARD
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-47, 50-45) and defended his title.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy by knockout (elbow strike) at 4:56 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio Pitbull defeated Dooho Choi by knockout (punches) at 3:28 of round 1.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Sean Sharaf defeated Gable Stevenson by knockout (punch) at 12 seconds of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Marlon Vera defeated Charles Jourdain by technical knockout (punches) at 2:02 of round 3.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Robelis Despaigne defeated Tai Tuivasa by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Michael Aswell Jr. defeated Joo Sang Yoo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 2:04 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Edmen Shahbazyan defeated Brunno Hulk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Casey O'Neill defeated Eduarda Ronda by submission (armbar) at 3:22 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão defeated Giga Chikadze by knockout (punches) at 1:57 of round 1.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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