Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Dana White Contender Series Winner Alonzo Menifield as he makes his UFC debut against fellow debutant Vinicius Moreira at UFC on ESPN+1 in Brooklyn, New York.
Alonzo Menifield
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Age: 31
Height: 6’1”
Reach: 76”
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Camp: Saekson’s Muay Thai
Career Record: 7-0
Key Wins: Daniel Jolly
Key Losses: None
Background The undefeated Texan has beaten all seven opponents he has faced inside the distance. In fact, he has never seen a third round during his career.
Strengths
- Dangerous right hand
- Has power in both hands
- Leg kicks with conviction
- Good athlete
Weaknesses
- Can be pushed against the cage and held up there
- Poor job of checking leg kicks
- Level of competition has been modest at best thus far
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C
Athleticism / Speed: B-
Footwork: C-
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: D+
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: D-
Conditioning: D+
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: D+
Matchup with Vinicius Moreira
In a battle of debutants, American Alonzo Menifield takes on Brazilian Vinicius Moreira. This is a contrast of styles as Menifield is a powerful, athletic striker while Moreira’s at his best pushing opponents to the cage and working on the mat. This is a bit of a tricky bout as Menifield can be pushed against the cage and Moreira can gain an advantage if this bout extends into the third round. However, the athleticism gap is enormous in this bout. Menifield is so much faster than his opponent and Moreira has a tendency to curl up and defend without moving his feet. Menifield can feast offensively against an opponent like Moreira. Menifield is just too strong in the attack and his heavy punches will force Moreira to shell up and with a static target, Menifield should be able to land the big punch which will send Moreira to the canvas. Menifield should win by knockout and do so early in this bout. Menifield by knockout (-150) is the most likely result, but at current odds is too juiced to play. If it slips under -130 then it would be worth a small bet.
UFC Ceiling Alonzo Menifield has a good stand up game and athleticism that will allow him to compete in the UFC. At 31 years of age, his ceiling is likely limited but in a weight class void of a lot of athletic, strong fighters he has the ability to earn a few wins in the UFC. What he can do against the division’s more well-rounded fighters will determine if he has the ability to at some point crack the top 15.
Fight Film Check out Alonzo Menifield in some of his most recent fights:
Alono Menifield vs. DaShawn Boatright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uTriHOOwQQ Alonzo Menifield vs. Brock Combs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut1q9vBcbiM
