Menifield wins split decision at UFC 331 with a broken thumb sustained in round one

Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision at UFC 331, winning 29-28, 29-28, 28-29 on the judges’ scorecards — all while competing with a broken left thumb he sustained in the opening round.

Menifield revealed the extent of the injury after the fight, displaying a thumb that appeared barely attached to his hand. A ringside physician paused the action in the third round to assess the damage, but Menifield insisted on continuing. He fought through two full rounds with the injury and still outworked his opponent down the stretch.

The light heavyweight contest was a slugfest from the opening bell, with both fighters willing to stand and trade heavy punches. Baraniewski showed early confidence, welcoming Menifield into exchanges and landing the cleaner combinations in the first round, even hurting his opponent against the cage.

Menifield adjusted in the second round, marching forward and unloading combinations before clinching against the cage. When the two separated, they resumed trading power shots, neither man going down despite absorbing serious punishment.

The final round proved decisive. Despite the compromised thumb, Menifield appeared to land the heavier blows as the clock wound down, doing enough to convince two of the three judges. The victory is Menifield’s second in succession and inflicts the first professional defeat on Baraniewski’s record.