One of several newcomers on the UFC Seattle card on Saturday, Julius Walker was set to face Alonzo Menifield on short notice, in a light heavyweight fight that promised fireworks.
Walker was 6-0 in his young career and had a background in basketball, not to mention “ninja shit,” as he described his fighting style. Menifield was known for his atomic-level power. Yet somehow, the bout was the first to go the distance at UFC Seattle after seven straight stoppages.
Walker opened the fight with immediate pressure, forcing Menifield against the cage. He attempted to muscle Menifield to the mat but couldn’t complete the takedown. Dropping levels to attack the legs also proved ineffective, as Menifield’s underhooks kept the fight upright. Upon separation, Walker landed a heavy left hand that wobbled Menifield, but he remained composed, continuing to apply pressure along the fence. He repeatedly attempted to land an over-the-top elbow, missing one and eating a clubbing right hand in return. It was evident that Walker was already fatigued, and Menifield recognized it, ramping up the pressure with wild, heavy punches. Despite showing signs of exhaustion, Walker stayed in the fight, trading shots until the bell.
In round two, Walker came out aggressively, striking his way into a takedown attempt. While he secured dominant positions, he struggled to take down the stocky Menifield. Back in open space, Walker remained the more active striker, though he often left himself exposed, preventing Menifield from capitalizing fully. As the takedowns continued to elude him, Walker resorted to clinch work, making it a gritty, close-quarters fight. When Menifield landed cleanly, Walker’s head snapped back, and his discomfort was obvious—he reacted strongly to every punch. Though he kept throwing, his strikes in open space were less effective. In the closing seconds of the round, Walker finally secured a takedown, but it held little significance. The fight remained up for grabs heading into the final round.
With both fighters visibly fatigued, round three was crucial. Walker pressed forward with confidence, but each time he landed, Menifield responded by forcing him backward. A crisp straight left from Menifield connected cleanly, visibly affecting Walker, though he showcased a solid chin. Once again, Walker found success against the cage, where he mixed in knees, elbows, and level changes, though he still couldn’t complete the takedown. In the final minute, Menifield established his preferred range, landing sharp punches that found their mark until the final bell. Come the scorecards, judges were split, with two awarding the fight to Menifield.
Official Result: Alonzo Menifield def. Julius Walker by split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
