Alonzo Menifield vs. Dustin Jacoby 12/16/23 – UFC 296 is set to deliver hard-hitting action when light heavyweights Alonzo Menifield and Dustin Jacoby clash this Saturday, December 16th at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. This co-main event matchup pits Menifield’s aggressive striking against Jacoby’s well-rounded attack in a bout with future title implications at 205 pounds. Keep reading for a breakdown of each fighter’s skills and our no-cost MMA selections predicting who will get their hand raised in this fight.
Alonzo Menifield vs. Dustin Jacoby 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Alonzo “Atomic” Menifield Analysis
Known as “Atomic,” the explosive Alonzo Menifield brings impressive athleticism and raw punching power, owning a 50% finishing rate with seven wins by KO/TKO. He averages a solid 3.82 significant strikes landed per minute with strong accuracy at 57%, utilizing dynamic blitzes to overwhelm opponents. However, his upright stance has led to absorbing 3.09 significant strikes per minute in return. Against submission specialist Jim Crute, Menifield wisely focused on staying off the mat, instead relying on his striking to earn a TKO victory last June.
While Menifield’s takedown accuracy sits at just 30%, his ability to dictate where fights take place has contributed to a strong 75% takedown defense rate. On the mat, he attempts just 0.3 submissions per 15 minutes, preferring to utilize ground-and-pound with his proven fight-ending power. At age 36, Menifield’s window for title contention could be short, increasing the urgency for statement performances like the one he hopes to make against Jacoby.
Dustin “The Hanyak” Jacoby Analysis
With a three inch height and experience advantage, Dustin Jacoby poses an intriguing clash of styles for Menifield at UFC 296. He lives up to the nickname “Hanyak” as a well-rounded fighter, blending an equal mix of striking and grappling rather than specializing in one area. This has led to a 46% career striking accuracy mark and respectable 40% takedown accuracy.
However, Jacoby’s defensive striking has proved vulnerable at times, absorbing 4.02 significant strikes per minute while stopping just 59% of opponent’s takedown attempts. Still, he’s savvy enough to avoid serious danger, having never been finished by strikes or submissions. In his last bout, Jacoby used steady pressure striking and clinch control to defeat Nzechukwu.
While not the most dangerous finisher with only four career KO/TKOs, Jacoby stays active in scrambles and transitional positions, attempting five total submissions in his last three victories. He’s also shown effective cardio with an average fight time of 10:43 minutes, three minutes longer than Menifield. This could allow Jacoby to capitalize if Menifield fades, especially since four of Jacoby’s seven career losses have come by decision.
Alonzo Menifield vs. Dustin Jacoby Stats
| Menifield | Jacoby | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 14-3-1 | 19-7-1 |
| Average Fight Time | 6:53 | 10:43 |
| Height | 6′ 0″ | 6′ 3″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs. | 205 lbs. |
| Reach | 76″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.82 | 5.46 |
| Striking Accuracy | 57% | 46% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.09 | 4.02 |
| Defense | 52% | 59% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.62 | 0.40 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 30% | 25% |
| Takedown Defense | 75% | 60% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Alonzo Menifield vs. Dustin Jacoby Betting Pick
After thorough analysis, our pick for the bout at UFC 296 leans towards Dustin “The Hanyak” Jacoby. Despite Menifield’s striking power and accuracy, Jacoby’s experience, longer fight endurance, and higher strike rate per minute give him a strategic advantage. Jacoby’s slightly superior defense and ability to handle longer fights could be key in overcoming Menifield’s aggressive approach. The odds favor Jacoby, aligning with the analysis of his overall performance and tactical prowess.
Free Pick: Dustin “The Hanyak” Jacoby -255
In conclusion, the best premium picks suggest Dustin Jacoby as the likely victor in this exciting Light Heavyweight matchup against Alonzo Menifield. Jacoby’s combination of experience, striking volume, and tactical endurance positions him as a strong contender. While Menifield’s power and precision cannot be underestimated, Jacoby’s overall fight strategy and adaptability seem to give him the upper hand in this anticipated UFC 296 bout.