The UFC’s debut on ESPN saw its second first-round stoppage in as many fights, as Alonzo Menifield tore through Vinicius Moreira at UFC Brooklyn.
Alonzo Menifield has had a brilliant career so far and will be making his promotional tonight at UFC Brooklyn. The light heavyweight is 7-0 with all of his finishes coming before the start of the third round. He’s appeared on the Tuesday Night Contender Series twice, earning an eight-second knockout the second time around that scored him a contract with the big show. Prior to taking up MMA, Menifield had a professional football career in both the Arena Football League and the Canadian Football League.
Vinicius Moreira is 9-1 heading into his UFC debut, currently riding a five-fight win streak. Like Menifield, he has finished all of his victories before the third round. However, eight of his nine wins come by submission. It was a second-round submission on the Contender Series that earned Moreira a spot on the roster last August.
Alonzo Menifield came out swinging with a two punch combination that knocked down the Moreira. Menifield nearly had a 10-second stoppage, but submissionattempts from Moreira slowed Menifield’s attack just enough to survive and stand up. Menifield began teeing off on Moreira, who’s defense left a lot to be desired. Moreira tried to fire back with a flying knee, but it didn’t connect, leading to more offense from Menifield.
Moreira countered with grappling, pushing Menifield up against the cage. Moreira got deep on a takedown attempt, but Menifield’s balance kept him upright. The former football player countered with a choke attempt, but Moreira was able to slip away. Soon after, Moreira missed on a spinning back kick and Menifield made him pay, landing a stinging right hand that knocked him down. Three unanswered punches later, and Menifield was victorious.
Alonzo Menifield def. Vinicius Moreira by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (3:56)
