UFC Fight Night 265 delivers an electric light heavyweight showdown between Swiss knockout specialist Volkan "No Time" Oezdemir and explosive American finisher Alonzo Menifield. Both fighters are ranked in the top fifteen, known for fast starts and heavy power, and the winner could earn a spot in the division’s top ten.
Volkan Oezdemir
Volkan Oezdemir (20–8) is a former UFC title challenger and one of the most dangerous early-fight strikers at 205 pounds. He owns three first-round UFC knockouts over Jimi Manuwa, Misha Cirkunov, and Johnny Walker. After a series of decision losses, he regained momentum with a knockout of Johnny Walker in June 2024, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. He later competed in a hard-fought decision loss to Carlos Ulberg in November. Oezdemir brings tight boxing, crisp combinations, and a strong clinch game. His grappling has also improved, highlighted by a rear-naked choke win against Bogdan Guskov in 2023.
Volkan Oezdemir – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Carlos Ulberg, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night 248, Nov 23, 2024
* Win vs. Johnny Walker, KO (Punch), UFC on ABC 6, Jun 22, 2024
* Win vs. Bogdan Guskov, Submission (RNC), UFC Fight Night 226, Sep 2, 2023
* Loss vs. Nikita Krylov, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 280, Oct 22, 2022
* Win vs. Paul Craig, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night 208, Jul 23, 2022
Keys: Oezdemir works best when he controls distance, keeps exchanges tight, and pushes forward with clean combinations. His technical striking gives him an advantage, and he must avoid wild swings or chaotic brawls where Menifield’s power becomes a major threat.
Alonzo Menifield
Alonzo Menifield (17–5–1) is a powerful and explosive contender with a reputation for sudden fight-ending ability. He has thirteen finishes in seventeen wins, including ten knockouts and three submissions. Menifield recently earned a split decision over Julius Walker in a Fight of the Night bout and followed it with a unanimous decision victory against Oumar Sy. While his aggression and athleticism make him dangerous, he has been knocked out by Azamat Murzakanov and Carlos Ulberg, which highlights his vulnerability in extended striking exchanges. Menifield is at his best when he dictates the pace and forces opponents into uncomfortable positions early.
Alonzo Menifield – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Oumar Sy, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 69, Jun 14, 2025
* Win vs. Julius Walker, Decision (Split), UFC Fight Night 252, Feb 22, 2025
* Loss vs. Azamat Murzakanov, KO (Punches), UFC on ABC 7, Aug 3, 2024
* Loss vs. Carlos Ulberg, KO (Punches), UFC on ESPN 56, May 11, 2024
* Win vs. Dustin Jacoby, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 296, Dec 16, 2023
Keys: Menifield must embrace his explosiveness, push forward with heavy strikes, and look to force a mistake before Oezdemir settles in. His best chance comes in the first two rounds. If the fight extends into deeper minutes, Oezdemir’s cardio and control become stronger factors.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is built for action. Both fighters possess knockout power, and both are willing to engage in high-risk exchanges. Oezdemir has the edge in technical boxing and overall experience, while Menifield brings raw power and intensity. The early rounds will be volatile, and either man can land a decisive strike. If the fight continues beyond the initial storm, Oezdemir’s composure and sharper striking give him a measurable advantage.
Prediction
Oezdemir should be able to withstand Menifield’s early pressure and take control as the fight moves into the second round, where his accuracy and experience can create openings for a finish.
Prediction:
Volkan Oezdemir defeats Alonzo Menifield by TKO in Round 2.
If Menifield lands early, he is fully capable of ending the fight instantly. If Oezdemir dictates distance and stays disciplined, he can punish Menifield and climb closer to the top ten.