Alonzo Menifield Will Face Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331

Los Angeles native Alonzo Menifield will step into the octagon on September 20, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive editorial sports illustration of two MMA fighters in a dynamic mid-air exchange, captured with visible brush strokes and high-contrast lighting. — Alonzo Menifield is set to face undefeated challenger Iwo Baraniewski at the upcoming UFC 331 event in Los Angeles on September 20, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you continue working at your current job until you are physically no longer able?

Local fighter Alonzo Menifield is scheduled to compete against the undefeated Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331 on September 20, 2026. Menifield enters the bout aiming for a victory to break into the light heavyweight top 10 rankings.

Why it matters

A victory for Menifield would provide the statement performance he needs to climb the division rankings. For the undefeated Baraniewski, the fight represents a chance to prove his momentum against a veteran opponent.

Alonzo Menifield holds an 18-6-1 record featuring 11 knockout wins, while Iwo Baraniewski enters with a 9-0-0 record consisting of seven knockouts and two submissions. Notably, Baraniewski has ended every one of his professional victories within the first round.

The players

Alonzo Menifield

A 38-year-old light heavyweight fighter from Los Angeles with 18 career professional wins.

Iwo Baraniewski

An undefeated professional mixed martial artist holding a 9-0-0 record with all victories ending in the first round.

The details

Menifield, 38, approaches this contest following his first-round stoppage victory over Zhang Mingyang in May 2026. He aims to rebound from his November 2025 loss to Volkan Oezdemir by relying on his consistent training and tactical assessment of his opponent's style.

November 2025: Alonzo Menifield lost to Volkan Oezdemir by first-round knockout.
May 2026: Alonzo Menifield defeated Zhang Mingyang by first-round stoppage.
September 20, 2026: UFC 331 takes place in Los Angeles.

Season Trajectory

This matchup serves as a pivotal moment for Menifield to secure his position within the UFC light heavyweight top 10 rankings. The outcome will influence the competitive landscape of the division and determine the trajectory of his remaining career.

Menifield needs this victory to secure a top 10 ranking in the light heavyweight division. A win for Baraniewski would extend his undefeated streak and reinforce his status as a first-round finisher.

The takeaway

The fight highlights the stark contrast between a battle-tested veteran and a surging, undefeated prospect. Fans should look for whether Menifield's experience can withstand Baraniewski's tendency to end fights quickly.