William Knight earned a unanimous decision in a battle of big boys at UFC Vegas 44, showing enough urgency to defeat Alonzo Menifield.
Two hulking light heavyweights collided as part of the UFC Vegas 44 preliminary card on Saturday. With both men coming off wins back in August, that bout saw Alonzo Menifield and William Knight throw down.
Menifield let two punches fly right after the glove touch and continued to walk forward. Knight responded with with a single-leg takedown, but Menifield reversed him on the way down to land in top position in side control. After a period of top control, Knight slipped out the back door and quickly mounted Menifield, then took his back. Knight was trying to sink in a choke, but Menifield was able to explode out of it and stand up, pushing Knight against the fence. Knight established a headlock with his back to the fence. Menifield was able to get out of the position and landed a clean right hand in the center of the cage. Knight charged back in with a leg kick. Menifield then landed another right that was answered by a huge knockdown by Knight. Knight defended a desperation takedown from Menifield by throwing him into full mount at the end of the round.
THE BIG BOYS ARE SWINGING!!!! #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/lJeLzGKUMX
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
Menifield began the second round with a heavy combination that forced Knight to run away. After they re-engaged, Menifield connected with a big right hand. The momentum stayed on Menifield’s side as he kept control of the Octagon. Neither fighter was connecting with much as Menifield continued to keep Knight at bay. Big hooks were traded at the very end of the round, with Knight backing Menifield up with a head kick followed by a big hook.
Listening to Bisping and letting it go 👏
Two rounds down on @ESPN. #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/C5U2VzZyno
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
Menifield landed a big overhand to start the round and Knight punched his way into a clinch. Menifield used that clinch to drive Knight into the cage. The fight stayed against the cage for over three minutes before Knight was able to push away. Knight threw some late punches to leave an impression on the judges’ minds.
Official Result: William Knight def. Alonzo Menifield by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
