Alonzo Menifield, UFC Seattle ceremonial weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
One in every of a number of newcomers on the UFC Seattle card on Saturday, Julius Walker was set to face Alonzo Menifield on quick discover, in a lightweight heavyweight struggle that promised fireworks.
Walker was 6-0 in his younger profession and had a background in basketball, to not point out “ninja shit,” as he described his combating type. Menifield was recognized for his atomic-level energy. But one way or the other, the bout was the primary to go the space at UFC Seattle after seven straight stoppages.
Walker opened the struggle with rapid strain, forcing Menifield towards the cage. He tried to muscle Menifield to the mat however couldn’t full the takedown. Dropping ranges to assault the legs additionally proved ineffective, as Menifield’s underhooks saved the struggle upright. Upon separation, Walker landed a heavy left hand that wobbled Menifield, however he remained composed, persevering with to use strain alongside the fence. He repeatedly tried to land an over-the-top elbow, lacking one and consuming a clubbing proper hand in return. It was evident that Walker was already fatigued, and Menifield acknowledged it, ramping up the strain with wild, heavy punches. Regardless of displaying indicators of exhaustion, Walker stayed within the struggle, buying and selling photographs till the bell.
In spherical two, Walker got here out aggressively, placing his manner right into a takedown try. Whereas he secured dominant positions, he struggled to take down the stocky Menifield. Again in open area, Walker remained the extra energetic striker, although he usually left himself uncovered, stopping Menifield from capitalizing totally. Because the takedowns continued to elude him, Walker resorted to clinch work, making it a gritty, close-quarters struggle. When Menifield landed cleanly, Walker’s head snapped again, and his discomfort was apparent—he reacted strongly to each punch. Although he saved throwing, his strikes in open area have been much less efficient. Within the closing seconds of the spherical, Walker lastly secured a takedown, but it surely held little significance. The struggle remained up for grabs heading into the ultimate spherical.
With each fighters visibly fatigued, spherical three was essential. Walker pressed ahead with confidence, however every time he landed, Menifield responded by forcing him backward. A crisp straight left from Menifield related cleanly, visibly affecting Walker, although he showcased a strong chin. As soon as once more, Walker discovered success towards the cage, the place he combined in knees, elbows, and stage modifications, although he nonetheless couldn’t full the takedown. Within the remaining minute, Menifield established his most well-liked vary, touchdown sharp punches that discovered their mark till the ultimate bell. Come the scorecards, judges have been cut up, with two awarding the struggle to Menifield.
Official End result: Alonzo Menifield def. Julius Walker by cut up choice (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
