Alonzo Menifield explains return ‘home’ to Fortis MMA

SEATTLE – Alonzo Menifield is again in acquainted environment as he tries to snap a two-bout dropping skid Saturday at UFC Struggle Night time 252.

After beginning his UFC run preventing out of Fortis MMA in Dallas underneath coach Sayif Saud, Menifield expanded his horizons lately to a number of gyms. Probably the most distinguished of his keep noticed him go to Colorado with kickboxing and MMA veteran Pat Barry in his nook, however just lately, the choice was made to return to his roots.

Menifield (15-5-1 MMA, 8-5-1 UFC) has by no means misplaced three consecutive fights in his profession. He doesn’t need that to occur when he meets newcomer Julius Walker in a light-weight heavyweight bout at Local weather Pledge Enviornment (ESPN+), and so as to give himself the very best probability, Menifield did his coaching camp at Fortis MMA.

“I traveled round, went to all over the place after which I used to be in a coaching facility, I’m not going to call the title, however I used to be on this large previous gymnasium and I used to be realizing, ‘They do that at Fortis. They’re grinding arduous like this,’” Menifield instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Struggle Night time 252 media day. “So I’m like, ‘Why don’t I simply go dwelling and be with my household and practice?’ So I’m again at Fortis. Admire Fortis.”

In keeping with Menifield, there was no negativity round his authentic departure from Fortis MMA. When this case arose, he mentioned Saud had no points welcoming him again with open arms.

“Me and Sayif, we’ve all the time been good,” Menifield mentioned. “I by no means left on unhealthy phrases. I simply instructed him I have to develop and that’s what I did simply touring round realizing what I can add to me. I wasn’t something bitter, so I used to be in a position to return dwelling. No downside.”

Menifield, 37, is seemingly in prime place for a powerful rebound. He get a short-notice promotional debuting fighter in Walker (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) who has by no means skilled the stage of the UFC lights. Menifield has been in these footwear and is aware of what it’s like, however mentioned it’s his job to present Walker a impolite introduction.

“I believe that is an thrilling struggle so far as this chance for each of us,” Menifield mentioned. “For him, particularly, proper? He’s a younger man making an attempt to make an announcement and I sit up for simply shutting that every one down.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Night time 252.