LAS VEGAS – Alonzo Menifield has taken the turbulent road leading up to UFC 260 in stride. Now he’s just grateful for the chance to fight.

Menifield (9-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) was originally scheduled to take on William Knight in February, but a positive COVID-19 test forced the bout to be postponed to Saturday’s card. On Wednesday, however, Knight was removed due to COVID-19 protocols, once again taking the bout off the table.

UFC matchmakers were fortunately able to find a short-notice replacement, and Menifield will now take on newcomer Fabio Cherant (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a light heavyweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The UFC 260 main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

It’s been a wild few weeks, and at this point Menifield said he’s just happy someone signed on the dotted line roughly 72 hours from fight night.

“It is what it is,” Menifield told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC 260 media day on Wednesday. “I got another opponent. I’ll take it.”

Menifield said that he was willing to take anyone if it meant his opportunity to fight would come to fruition. He admittedly doesn’t know much about Cherant, who is a former LFA champion, but said he’ll do his due diligence in the short window between now and entering the octagon.

“You’ve got to be smart,” Menifield said. “Maybe I’ll pick up something before the fight, so I’ll watch him. I’ll check for some tendencies. Other than that, let’s go.”

Ultimately, Menifield said this fight is about himself and getting back on track. After winning his first two UFC fights by knockout, he’s now lost back-to-back bouts and has no intention of making it three straight.

There was excitement about his potential as a future 205-pound contender after the strong start, but now much of that has fizzled. Menifield wants to prove that he can meet expectations, though, and hopes to do that through skillful victories at UFC 260 and beyond.

“I want to generate momentum, but I never like hype,” Menifield said. “I want to be known for skill. With that said, I feel like I’m a complete MMA fighter. So, I dropped the ball (with my loss). I won some great fights. Now I’m complete.”