Menifield vs. Baraniewski: UFC 331 Picks & Predictions
The UFC is headed to Los Angeles, California, for UFC 331 with an exciting rematch in the flyweight division. Flyweight champion Joshua Van is facing Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch where Pantoja is trying to get his strap back after suffering an injury in the first 30 seconds of their first bout. The whole card looks exciting, but I have an underdog and a method of victory prop that I love on the main card. The prelims begin at 5:30 p.m. EDT, while the main card starts at 9 p.m. EDT, all on Paramount+. Here’s my top UFC 331 picks for Menifield vs. Baraniewski.
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UFC 331 Main Card Odds, Picks & Predictions: Menifield vs. Baraniewski
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Alonzo Menifield (+200) vs. Iwo Baraniewski (-265)
Iwo Baraniewski is getting a crack at the top-15 rankings in the light heavyweight division. He faces No. 14-ranked Alonzo Menifield to start the main card of UFC 331. Baraniewski is making a step up in competition, but he is a prospect on the rise.
Baraniewski is 9-0 as a professional, but has thoroughly tested himself as an amateur before turning pro. He is 17-3 as an amateur, dating back to 2020. The 27-year-old has proven himself on the amateur scene before turning pro and is making a name for himself. He beat Ibo Aslan, Austen Lane, and Junior Tafa via first-round knockouts in the UFC since December 2025.
Menifield is a longtime UFC veteran with an 11-6-1 record in the UFC, dating back to 2019. He is 38, so his time is running out, and he is no longer a true contender in the division. He beat Zhang Mingyang via knockout in his last fight, but got knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir in 2025.
Baraniewski should be a much larger favorite in this fight. He is almost a 3-to-1 favorite, and I still believe it should be higher. Menifield is a tested veteran, but Baraniewski is different. He has power and the ability to land one-punch knockouts.
Menifield is tough and has power himself, but he is not the same level on the feet. He is awkward and not the most technical fighter in the division. Baraniewski is as high as -170 to win via knockout on some sportsbooks, so this is a great play to open the main card.
Bet: Iwo Baraniewski to Win by Knockout (-135)