- Alonzo Menifield vs Iwo Baraniewski: A Fight to Watch
- UFC 331: The Thrilling Showdown
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
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Mark your calendars for the exciting matchup between Alonzo Menifield and Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331 on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The initial betting odds have Menifield at +197 while Baraniewski is favored at -235.
Alonzo “Atomic” Menifield holds a professional record of 18-6-1. At 38 years old, he weighs in at 205 lbs and stands 6’0″. Utilizing an orthodox fighting stance, he boasts a reach of 76 inches. On the other hand, Iwo “Rudy” Baraniewski, also 6’0″ and weighing 205 lbs, aims to maintain his unbeaten streak with a record of 9-0-0. The 27-year-old also fights in an orthodox stance but has a shorter reach of 73 inches. In terms of significant strikes, Menifield lands an average of 3.84 strikes per minute, compared to Baraniewski’s impressive 11.35. Menifield’s striking accuracy stands at 53%, while Baraniewski’s slightly edges it at 57%. Defensively, Menifield absorbs 3.81 significant strikes per minute, allowing him to defend against 51% of strikes aimed at him, while Baraniewski allows 8.65 strikes per minute, defending against 52%.

| UFC 331 Overview | Alonzo Menifield | Iwo Baraniewski |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Betting Odds | +197 | -235 |
| Fight Record | 18-6-1 | 9-0-0 |
| Average Fight Duration | 7:24 | 0:56 |
| Height | 6’0″ | 6’0″ |
| Weight Class | 205 lbs | 205 lbs |
| Reach | 76″ | 73″ |
| Strikes Landed/Min | 3.84 | 11.35 |
| Striking Precision | 53% | 57% |
When evaluating takedown statistics, Alonzo Menifield demonstrates less effectiveness as a grappler, achieving 0.48 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a success rate of 31% on his takedown attempts and an impressive 78% defense against opponent takedowns. In contrast, Baraniewski secures takedowns 15% of the time and has a formidable 85% takedown defense. In terms of submissions, Menifield averages 0.2 attempts per 15 minutes, while Baraniewski attempts 0.4.
In his latest Octagon outing, Alonzo Menifield faced Zhang Mingyang, claiming victory with a knockout via a punch in round one. Mingyang completed 28 of 51 total strikes during that match. Menifield, however, had a more effective night, landing 42 of 68 total strikes. In terms of significant strikes, Mingyang achieved a 43% landing rate with 16 of 37, while Menifield excelled with 53%, landing 28 of 52. Notably, 82% of Menifield’s significant strikes were delivered from a distance.
In Iwo Baraniewski’s most recent fight, he secured a win against Junior Tafa with a leg kick from a distance in round one. Tafa was unable to land a single significant strike, finishing with 0% accuracy, while Baraniewski proved effective, connecting on 66% of his significant strikes attempted from a distance. He landed 6 out of 22 attempts, two of which were aimed at Tafa’s head, who did not connect with any head strikes.
Additional Fights Worth Watching
Keep an eye on the upcoming bout between Gable Steveson and Sean Sharaf. Steveson enters the Octagon with an undefeated record of 4-0-0. The 26-year-old weighs 249 lbs and stands 5’11” tall, boasting a reach of 74 inches. Sharaf, on the other hand, stands at 6’3″ and weighs in at 252 lbs, holding a record of 4-2-0. Steveson averages 0.60 takedowns per three rounds, while Sharaf excels with 0.93. In striking metrics, Steveson lands 16.29 strikes per minute with a 71% accuracy, compared to Sharaf’s 7.41 strikes at a 43% accuracy.
Another thrilling matchup features Charles Jourdain, who will battle Marlon Vera. Vera’s professional record stands at 23-12-1, and he weighs in at 135 lbs, while measuring 5’8″. Jourdain, weighing the same, is slightly taller at 5’9″ with a record of 18-8-1. Vera’s wrestling ability shows, as he defends 71% of takedowns and completes 39% of his attempts, while Jourdain manages 21% takedown success with an overall defense rate of 46%. In striking, Vera averages 5.34 strikes absorbed while landing 4.18, compared to Jourdain’s 4.11 absorbed and 5.36 delivered.
Which fighter will emerge victorious in tonight’s highly anticipated UFC matchup?
Expert Prediction: Back Iwo Baraniewski (-235)
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