Alonzo Menifield Bio
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield, born on October 18, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing professionally since 2015, he has also fought in Bellator, the Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Dana White’s Contender Series. Known by his ring name “Atomic,” Menifield is recognized for his powerful striking and grappling skills, steadily building his presence in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. As of April 14, 2026, he holds the #15 ranking in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield was born in Los Angeles, California, and faced significant challenges during his childhood. After his father passed away, his mother raised him and his brother until the age of 14, when both boys entered the foster care system. Menifield moved through 12 different foster homes during his teenage years, an experience that shaped his resilience and determination.
Menifield attended Canyon High School for two years, where he graduated and excelled at football. He continued his football career at NJCAA Glendale Community College in California, starring primarily as a linebacker. During his sophomore year, he earned Honorable Mention All-American honors and was also a member of the track and field team. After his first two seasons at Glendale, he earned a scholarship to Texas A&M University–Commerce, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Following his college career, Menifield played professional football in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League.
Path to MMA
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield transitioned from professional football to mixed martial arts, making his professional debut on November 20, 2015, at Bellator 146 against Zach Rosol. Fighting at heavyweight, he won the bout via technical knockout in the first round, signaling his arrival in the sport. He then moved to the light heavyweight division, where he won his next two fights via TKO and knockout.
Menifield’s early career also included stints with the Legacy Fighting Alliance and training at Saekson’s Muay Thai from 2015 to 2018. He gained further exposure when he faced UFC veteran Daniel Jolly on July 25, 2017, at Dana White’s Contender Series 3, winning via TKO in round one due to an eye injury, though he did not secure a UFC contract at that time. He earned a second chance on the Contender Series on June 18, 2018, against Dashawn Boatwright, winning via TKO with ground-and-pound strikes within the first eight seconds of the first round, which earned him a UFC contract.
Alonzo Menifield Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield began his professional mixed martial arts journey in 2015, debuting at Bellator 146 with a first-round TKO victory over Zach Rosol. Competing initially at heavyweight, he quickly moved to light heavyweight, where he strung together consecutive TKO and knockout wins. His early training took place at Saekson’s Muay Thai, where he honed his striking skills from 2015 to 2018.
During this period, Menifield also competed in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, gaining valuable experience against a variety of opponents. His performances on the regional circuit and Dana White’s Contender Series established him as a promising prospect, culminating in his UFC contract in 2018.
UFC Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield made his UFC debut on January 19, 2019, against Vinicius Moreira at UFC Fight Night 143, winning via TKO with punches in round one. He followed this with a knockout victory over Paul Craig at UFC on ESPN 3 on June 29, 2019. However, he faced his first UFC setback on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250, losing to Devin Clark via unanimous decision. Later that year, he lost to Ovince Saint Preux via knockout at UFC Fight Night 176.
In 2021, Menifield rebounded with a Von Flue choke win over Fabio Cherant at UFC 260 and a unanimous decision victory over Ed Herman at UFC 265. He also lost a unanimous decision to William Knight at UFC on ESPN 31. In 2022, he secured technical knockout wins over Askar Mozharov at UFC Fight Night 207 and Misha Cirkunov at UFC Fight Night 212. His 2023 campaign included a majority draw against Jimmy Crute at UFC 284, followed by a guillotine choke submission win in their rematch at UFC 290, and a unanimous decision victory over Dustin Jacoby at UFC 296.
In 2024, Menifield stepped in to face Carlos Ulberg at UFC on ESPN 56, losing by knockout 12 seconds into the first round. He also lost to Azamat Murzakanov by knockout at UFC on ABC 7. In 2025, he defeated Julius Walker by split decision at UFC Fight Night 252, earning a Fight of the Night award, and won a unanimous decision over Oumar Sy at UFC on ESPN 69. Later that year, he lost to Volkan Oezdemir by knockout at UFC Fight Night 265. In 2026, he defeated Zhang Mingyang via technical knockout at UFC Fight Night 277, earning a $100,000 Fight of the Night award.
Style and Strengths
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield is known for his powerful striking and grappling abilities, making him a well-rounded threat in the light heavyweight division. His training at Saekson’s Muay Thai and later at Fortis MMA has helped him develop a balanced skill set, allowing him to finish fights via knockout, submission, or decision. His ability to adapt and secure wins across multiple formats has been a hallmark of his UFC tenure.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Alonzo Theodoro Menifield’s career highlights are his eight-second TKO win over Dashawn Boatwright on Dana White’s Contender Series, which earned him a UFC contract, and his recent $100,000 Fight of the Night award for his technical knockout victory over Zhang Mingyang at UFC Fight Night 277. His climb to the #15 ranking in the UFC light heavyweight division as of April 2026 underscores his consistent performance at the highest level of the sport.
Alonzo Menifield Career Wins
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield has compiled a professional record of 18 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw across 25 total bouts. His victories include 4 by knockout, 3 by submission, and 2 by decision, with additional wins outside these categories, showcasing his finishing ability and well-rounded skill set.
UFC Highlights
Menifield has secured multiple notable victories in the UFC, including first-round TKO wins over Vinicius Moreira and Askar Mozharov, a knockout of Paul Craig, and a guillotine choke submission over Jimmy Crute in their rematch. His most recent win came via technical knockout against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Fight Night 277 on May 30, 2026, earning him a Fight of the Night award.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Alonzo Theodoro Menifield competed in Bellator, the Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Dana White’s Contender Series, where he earned key victories that paved the way for his UFC career. His early TKO win over Zach Rosol at Bellator 146 marked a strong start to his professional journey.
Alonzo Menifield Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield’s family background is rooted in Los Angeles, California, where he was raised following the death of his father. He and his brother were subsequently raised by their mother until entering foster care at age 14.
Personal Life
Alonzo Theodoro Menifield is married and has two sons, Alonzo Jr. and Zavier. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas, where he trains with Fortis MMA.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Alonzo Theodoro Menifield competed in three UFC bouts, starting with a split decision victory over promotional newcomer Julius Walker at UFC Fight Night 252 on February 22, 2025, which earned him a Fight of the Night award. He followed this with a unanimous decision win over Oumar Sy at UFC on ESPN 69 on June 14, 2025, showcasing his ability to go the distance against durable opponents.
Menifield’s 2025 campaign concluded with a first-round knockout loss to Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025, a setback that interrupted his momentum. Despite the loss, his two wins during the year reinforced his position in the light heavyweight division and kept him ranked among the top contenders.
Looking ahead, Menifield’s consistent performances in 2025, combined with his earlier knockout of Zhang Mingyang in 2026, suggest he remains a competitive force in the UFC. His training at Fortis MMA and his well-rounded skill set position him for continued success in the light heavyweight division.
