Baraniewski On First Pro Loss After UFC 331

Iwo Baraniewski says his split-decision defeat to Alonzo Menifield at UFC 331 is not his first taste of failure.

The undefeated heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight prospect dropped to 9-1 after losing a closely contested battle at the Sept. 19 card in Los Angeles. Baraniewski entered as a heavy betting favourite but could not stop the veteran Menifield, who earned a split verdict after weathering an early onslaught and rallying in the later rounds.

Baraniewski Vows Return After UFC 331 Setback

Per Sherdog, Baraniewski fought through a thumb injury in the third round before falling on the scorecards. The 27-year-old Polish fighter had never seen a second round before facing Menifield, with all nine of his wins coming inside the opening frame.

"My first professional loss, but not my first in life," Baraniewski wrote on Instagram after the fight. "I'll take a moment to rest, and I'll come back stronger. Thank you to everyone who supports me and stands by me."

Menifield improved to 19-6 with the win, his first since moving back up to 205 pounds. Baraniewski has not indicated when he plans to return to the cage.

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• Sherdog — Iwo Baraniewski reacts to first pro loss: ‘Not my first in life’