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Alonzo Menifield wasn't afraid to embrace the underdog role at UFC Macao.
In the main preliminary bout at the Galaxy Arena, Menifield knocked out China's Zhang Mingyang in the very first round, silencing the home crowd.
Zhang Mingyang entered the bout coming off his first UFC loss – a knockout by Johnny Walker in the main event of UFC Shanghai in August. His reputation as a fighter who finishes matches with first-round knockouts didn't deter Menifield from engaging in a striking exchange. The two traded heavy blows, with Menifield ultimately managing to wear down Zhang.
The American pressed the Chinese fighter against the cage, unleashing a barrage of punches. The Asian fighter's defense completely crumbled under Menifield's assault. After the fight, Menifield was asked if his plan was to stand and trade with the dangerous striker, to which he responded without hesitation.
"Of course, that was the f***ing plan," Menifield declared. "I'm going to come in here and fight him. You think I'm going to run and wrestle? Hell no. I came here, I fought him, and I beat him."
Menifield (18-7-1) improved his UFC record to 11-6-1 and now boasts three wins in his last four fights. With his impressive performance against Zhang, "Atomic" bounced back from his knockout loss to Volkan Oezdemir in November at UFC Qatar. Meanwhile, Zhang (19-8) now has two consecutive losses in crucial fights on home soil, after starting his UFC career with three straight victories.
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