Alonzo Menifield delivered a decisive performance, halting the hometown favorite Zhang Mingyang via first-round technical knockout at UFC Macau. The bout, featured as the co-main event on Saturday night, was a high-octane display of striking prowess.
From the outset, both competitors sought an early finish. Zhang Mingyang initiated the action with a barrage of kicks and strikes, but Menifield quickly found his rhythm, responding with precise calf kicks and powerful punches. The exchange intensified as the round progressed, with neither fighter willing to cede ground.
Menifield also found success in the clinch, utilizing his strength to press Zhang against the cage and disrupt his momentum. Despite Zhang’s attempts to regain control and land knee and elbow strikes, Menifield maintained his composure and continued to look for openings.
The decisive moment arrived in the final minute of the round. After weathering some significant blows from Zhang, Alonzo Menifield landed a knockout punch that sent “Mountain Tiger” to the canvas. Though Zhang managed to recover, Menifield relentlessly pursued the finish, unleashing a flurry of powerful strikes along the fence.
Unable to mount a coherent defense, Zhang was overwhelmed by Menifield’s assault, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the fight at 4 minutes and 15 seconds of the first round.
This victory marks a significant comeback for Alonzo Menifield, who suffered a first-round knockout loss in his previous outing. His professional record now stands at 18 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with an 11-6-1 record in the UFC. For Zhang Mingyang, this defeat is his second consecutive loss, following a previous setback. The 27-year-old now holds a UFC record of 3 wins and 2 losses, with his professional record dropping to 19 wins and 8 losses.