Curiosity factor goes a long way in selling fights, and in that regard, Alonzo Menifield vs. Askar Mozharov at UFC Vegas 56 had everything you could ask for.
Mozharov had been brought onboard by the PFL at one point, only to drop out of the league’s 2021 season. He then signed on with the UFC, had his debut, originally at heavyweight, delayed, then opted for light heavyweight instead.
That in and of itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but over the past week, Mozharov has become known as the man with the incredibly shrinking record. Starting out with a 25-7 record, that moved down to 21-11, then 19-12, much has been made of some dubious entries among the sport’s online record keepers — but in the end, all that would matter was his performance.
Suffice to say, it did not go well.
Menifield came out firing right out of the gate and put Mozharov on his back with a takedown. There was no moving off the bottom from Mozharov as Menifield was smothering on top. He was stuck until he wasn’t as Mozharov exploded back to his feet. Menifield looked gassed and Mozharov was throwing heavy. It didn’t last long before before Menifield exploded forward with another power takedown. Menifield moved to the crucifix position and let loose with some heavy short elbows and Mozharov went out.
𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝘼 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙎𝙃 by @AlonzoMenifield!#UFCVegas56 pic.twitter.com/nh0AgFZeCD
— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2022
Given the controversy surrounding “record-gate,” that could very well be the last time we see Askar Mozharov in the UFC. Then again, they might just keep him around given the attention he was able to draw, albeit inadvertently.
Official Result: Alonzo Menifield def. Askar Mozharov by knockout (elbows), round 1, 4:40
