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Carlos Ulberg smashes Alonzo Menifield for 3rd fastest KO in UFC light heavyweight history
Image credit: ClutchPoints

Carlos Ulberg delivered a knockout blow of historic proportions, sending Alonzo Menifield crashing to the canvas in a mere 12 seconds. This finish secured Ulberg the third-fastest knockout in the light heavyweight division and catapulted him into the spotlight as a rising contender.

From the opening bell, Ulberg exuded an aura of calculated aggression. Menifield, known for his explosive power, came out guns blazing hunting for the finish immediately and after a failed right hand had him up against the fence. That’s when Ulberg was able to unleash a flurry of shots that sent Menifield to the canvas in a hurry which had the referee step in and call the fight the moment Menifield hit the floor. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena as Menifield crumpled, the fight effectively over before it had truly begun.

The crowd erupted in a mixture of disbelief and excitement as the referee waved off the bout. Ulberg, a picture of composure, calmly walked away, his mission accomplished in the blink of an eye. Menifield, meanwhile, got back up in disarray trying to say that he wasn’t hurt and that he’s fine when he clearly was out and concussed moments before.

With this victory, Ulberg (10-1) extends his winning streak to six and firmly establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division which should put him inside the top 10 of the rankings. The knockout not only showcased his devastating power but also his ability to execute under pressure against a highly regarded opponent.

Menifield (14-4-1), on the other hand, suffers a setback in his quest for championship contention. While the loss is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, Menifield’s resilience and power remain undeniable. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds from this defeat and adapts his approach moving forward.

The historic nature of the knockout adds another layer of significance to Ulberg’s triumph. The 12-second finish now stands as the third-fastest in the division’s history, trailing only Ryan Jimmo’s seven-second demolition of Anthony Perosh in 2013 and Misha Cirkunov’s nine-second decimation of Alex Nicholson in 2016.

Ulberg’s victory also reverberates through the City Kickboxing gym, where he trains alongside other notable fighters like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. The gym has become a hotbed of talent in recent years, and Ulberg’s performance further solidifies its reputation as a breeding ground for champions.

Looking ahead, the light heavyweight division is ripe with intriguing matchups for Ulberg. A potential showdown with fellow rising star Magomed Ankalaev or a clash with the division’s elite could be on the horizon. Whatever the future holds, Ulberg has undoubtedly earned his place among the division’s top contenders.

The UFC St. Louis event will be remembered for Ulberg’s stunning knockout, a moment that will be replayed countless times in highlight reels for years to come. It was a night that showcased the raw power and unpredictability of MMA, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and eager for the next chapter in Ulberg’s promising career.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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