Alonzo Menifield Bio
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his nickname “Atomic,” Menifield has been a professional fighter since 2015 and has also competed in Bellator and the Legacy Fighting Alliance. He is recognized for his powerful striking and grappling skills, which have helped him make significant progress in the UFC rankings.
Early Life and Background
Alonzo Menifield was born on October 18, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. After the death of his father, Menifield and his brother were raised by their mother until they entered foster care at age 14. During this period, Menifield lived in 12 different foster homes. He attended Canyon High School for two years, excelling in football before graduating.
Menifield continued his football career at NJCAA Glendale Community College in California, where he played as a linebacker and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in his sophomore year. He was also a member of the track and field team. Following his time at Glendale, Menifield received a scholarship to Texas A&M University–Commerce, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He later played professional football in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League.
Path to MMA
Transitioning from football to mixed martial arts, Menifield began his MMA career in 2015. He initially trained at Saekson’s Muay Thai gym until 2018 before joining Fortis MMA. Early in his MMA journey, Menifield competed in the heavyweight division before moving to light heavyweight, where he found greater success. His early career included notable performances in Bellator and the Legacy Fighting Alliance, which paved the way for his entry into Dana White’s Contender Series.
Menifield’s performances on Dana White’s Contender Series earned him a UFC contract after a decisive victory via TKO in just eight seconds against Dashawn Boatwright. This opportunity marked a significant step in his professional fighting career.
Alonzo Menifield Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Alonzo Menifield made his professional MMA debut on November 20, 2015, at Bellator 146, winning by first-round TKO against Zach Rosol. Following this, he moved to the light heavyweight division, securing two more victories by TKO and KO. These early wins showcased his striking power and helped establish him as a promising prospect in the sport.
During this period, Menifield trained primarily at Saekson’s Muay Thai, developing his striking skills. His success in regional promotions and his performances on Dana White’s Contender Series demonstrated his readiness for the UFC level.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Menifield debuted in the UFC on January 19, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 143, defeating Vinicius Moreira by first-round TKO. He followed this with a first-round KO victory over Paul Craig in June 2019. These wins highlighted his knockout power and ability to finish fights early.
Despite setbacks, including losses to Devin Clark and Ovince Saint Preux, Menifield continued to improve. He earned a notable submission victory via Von Flue choke against Fabio Cherant in 2021 and secured unanimous decision wins over Ed Herman and Dustin Jacoby. His resilience and evolving skill set have kept him competitive in the UFC light heavyweight division.
Menifield’s recent fights include a knockout win over Misha Cirkunov and a submission victory against Jimmy Crute in their rematch. He has also experienced tough losses, such as knockout defeats to Carlos Ulberg and Volkan Oezdemir. As of late 2025, Menifield remains an active and ranked competitor in the UFC.
Fortis MMA Era (2018–Present)
Since joining Fortis MMA in 2018, Alonzo Menifield has refined his fighting style and strategy. The team environment has contributed to his development in both striking and grappling. His performances under Fortis MMA have included several highlight-reel finishes and important victories that have elevated his status within the UFC.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Menifield is known for his powerful striking, particularly his knockout ability, combined with effective grappling techniques. His reach and athleticism allow him to control distance and execute dynamic attacks. His versatility in both stand-up and ground fighting makes him a well-rounded competitor in the light heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Menifield’s career highlights is his rapid TKO win on Dana White’s Contender Series, which secured his UFC contract. He has earned Fight of the Night honors for his bout against Julius Walker in 2025. His ability to finish fights early and his resilience in competitive matchups stand out as defining aspects of his career.
Alonzo Menifield Career Wins
Alonzo Menifield has accumulated 17 professional wins in mixed martial arts, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects his effectiveness across multiple facets of MMA competition.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Menifield has secured multiple wins by knockout and submission. His first UFC win came via TKO in his debut fight in 2019. Notable victories include a first-round KO over Paul Craig and a submission win against Jimmy Crute. Menifield has also demonstrated durability and skill in decision victories, maintaining a competitive presence in the light heavyweight rankings.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to the UFC, Menifield achieved success in Bellator and the Legacy Fighting Alliance, where he won fights by TKO and KO. His performances in these organizations helped build his reputation and led to opportunities at the highest level of the sport.
Alonzo Menifield Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Menifield’s family background beyond his early life in foster care are limited. There is no public information indicating a family history in combat sports or racing.
Personal Life
Alonzo Menifield is married and resides in Dallas, Texas. He is a father to two sons, Alonzo Jr. and Zavier. His personal life remains private, with limited public information beyond these details.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Alonzo Menifield continued to compete actively in the UFC light heavyweight division. He earned a split decision victory over Julius Walker, a fight that garnered Fight of the Night honors. Menifield also secured a unanimous decision win against Oumar Sy, demonstrating his ongoing competitiveness.
Despite a knockout loss to Volkan Oezdemir later in the year, Menifield’s performances have kept him relevant in the division. His partnership with Fortis MMA and focus on refining his skills suggest he remains a contender with potential for future success in the UFC.