Alonzo Menifield discovered himself in the midst of a weird storyline that constructed steam all through the UFC Vegas 56 battle week with reference to his opponent Askar Mozharov.
Previous to their mild heavyweight tilt on Saturday on the UFC APEX, which Menifield gained through first-round TKO, Menifield was properly conscious that Mozharov’s professional report continued to vary within the sport’s well-known databases from 25-7 to 19-12 by battle day.
“It fluctuated just like the rattling inventory market,” Menifield told members of the media following his win at the APEX. “I observed it was [changed] thrice and I used to be like, ‘This man is a weirdo, he’s a chump.’ I had every kind of dangerous ideas for him. On this recreation, you’ve obtained to place respect on it. These fighters, we, me, we put our lives on the road and we practice.
“This can be a alternative, and that is what we select, so I don’t know if he’s taking part in video games, or if it’s some kind of showcase for media or no matter, however whenever you come and battle within the octagon, it’s critical.”
On the finish of the bout, it appeared as if Menifield had some phrases for Mozharov and issues have been getting a bit heated between the 2 fighters. Menifield landed an enormous punch seconds in earlier than touchdown a takedown. When Mozharov obtained again to his ft, he landed just a few photographs earlier than getting taken down once more.
Finally, Menifield obtained on high in a crucifix place and landed vicious elbows till the battle was stopped. The Fortis MMA standout defined why issues obtained a bit heated after the actual fact.
“I might by no means be a loopy individual like that,” Menifield stated. “I’m not that type of dude, and in all honesty, once I was combating this dude he began speaking: ‘I don’t really feel that. That’s gentle. What is that this?’ And he beginning speaking to me in a manner the place he was disrespectful, so the gangster got here out.
“Then proper then and there, I used to be like, ‘OK, Alonzo, he’s is making an attempt to throw you off of this grappling factor’ So I used to be like, ‘You already know what? I’m going to grapple, I’m going to wrestle him extra.’ So yeah, that’s why I used to be type of loopy.
“With him speaking and him pondering the way in which I do know he was pondering, and the report, I used to be indignant — and I wished to have one other battle with him,” Menifield added. “As I used to be strolling [off], I wished to maintain combating him. After all get these two paycheck, after which I used to be like, ‘Yeah, I’ll meet you within the car parking zone.’ That’s how mad I used to be.”
