Askar Mozharov and Alonzo Menifield, UFC Vegas 56
Askar Mozharov and Alonzo Menifield, UFC Vegas 56 Credit: Alex Behunin/Cageside Press

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 signed 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.

Menifield came out firing right out of the gate and put Mozharov on his back with the 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 elbow and Mozharov went out.

Alonzo Menifield def. Askar Mozharov by knockout (elbows), round 1, 4:40





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