MMA Preview – Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby at UFC 296
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ALONZO MENIFIELD VS DUSTIN JACOBY FACTS
When is UFC 296? Saturday 16th December, 2023 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 296? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 296? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 296
What channel is UFC 296 on? TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99 – main card)
Where can I stream UFC 296? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALONZO MENIFIELD VS DUSTIN JACOBY LOWDOWN
Alonzo Menifield (14-3-1) is enjoying his best form in the UFC adding more strings to his bow. He has not lost since 2021 and reeled off two vintage knockouts last year over Askar Mozharov and Misha Cirkunov. He drew with Jimmy Crute at the start of this year after getting a point deducted for grabbing the fence. However, he made up for it five months later by submitting the Aussie grappler.
Now, he takes on a experienced kickboxer in Dustin Jacoby (19-7-1). He was climbing up the light heavyweight rankings after going unbeaten in his first six UFC fights to extend his unbeaten streak to nine. However, he went on a two-fight skid losing decisions to Khalil Rountree Jr (2022) and Azamat Murzakanov (2023). He responded perfectly back in August by knocking out Kennedy Nzechukwu in a ‘Performance of the Night’ display.
ALONZO MENIFIELD VS DUSTIN JACOBY PREDICTION
On paper, this should be a striking spectacle unless Menifield plays it safe. We all know about his explosive knockout power, but he has proven he has the ability to wrestle and clinch to mix things up.
That said, his instinct is to take his opponents head off. If he decides to stand with Jacoby, it will be an intense battle. Jacoby is not as explosive, but he is a seasoned kickboxer with better technique. He should win the exchanges forcing Menifield to clinch up.
However, Murzakanov found Jacoby’s chin and Menifield will only need one clean hit to turn the lights off. Menifield is the underdog, so he is always worth a punt especially for a knockout, but Jacoby has the technique and cardio to earn a decision at least.
Prediction: Jacoby via Decision
Value bet: Menifield via KO/TKO
