Menifield Faces 6-Month Suspension After UFC 331 Thumb Injury

Alonzo Menifield is staring down a six-month layoff after breaking his thumb in Saturday's split decision win over Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331.

The California State Athletic Commission handed Menifield a 180-day suspension for a possible fracture to his left thumb, MMA Fighting reported Monday. The veteran heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight can return early with physician clearance, though the severity of the injury — which worsened visibly as the bout progressed — makes that timeline uncertain.

Full UFC 331 Medical Suspensions

Main event winner Joshua Van received only a seven-day mandatory rest period, while Alexandre Pantoja drew a 60-day suspension with matching no-contact time for a laceration above his left eyebrow. Co-headliner Mauricio Ruffy also sits at 60 days following his knockout loss, pending clearance of a right eye laceration.

Four other fighters joined Menifield on the 180-day list. Edmen Shahbazyan must clear a possible right foot fracture, Casey O'Neill a left knee issue, Joanderson Brito a right knee problem, and Robelis Despaigne both a right thumb fracture and left tricep damage.

Gable Steveson received a 45-day suspension with 30 days no contact after being knocked out. Charles Jourdain drew the same terms following his TKO defeat. Arman Tsarukyan landed on a 45-day suspension with 30 days no contact after his hard-fought co-main event.

UFC 331 took place September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Menifield will be eligible to return by late March 2027 barring early medical clearance.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — UFC 331 medical suspensions:  Alonzo Menifield looking at 6 month suspension due gnarly broken thumb