Iwo Baraniewski VS Alonzo Menifield

Alonzo Menifield defeated Iwo Baraniewski by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) in a three-round light heavyweight bout at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026. Baraniewski controlled the opening round with a takedown, back control, and heavy top pressure, but Menifield rallied in rounds two and three with jab combinations and dirty boxing in the clinch as Baraniewski's output visibly dropped. The central story of the contest was a compound fracture to Menifield's left thumb — sustained during the fight with bone protruding — which he fought through for the remainder of the bout to secure the upset. The loss ended Baraniewski's undefeated record and was also the first time in his career he had gone to the judges' scorecards.

Unbeaten Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski — three UFC knockouts, three Performance of the Night bonuses — steps up to face ranked veteran Alonzo Menifield in a light heavyweight bout that could propel the 27-year-old into the top 15. Menifield is no gatekeeper; the 38-year-old upset Zhang Mingyang in his last outing and has legitimate finishing power of his own. A win for Baraniewski is a credentialing moment; a win for Menifield keeps him relevant in a crowded division.