Rizvan Kuniev
Russia
Excellent effort in debut loss
Kuniev lost to Curtis Blaydes via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
ANALYSIS
It was an excellent showing from Kuniev in his official UFC debut, and no one would have been shocked in the least if the scorecards ended up going in his favor. Facing an elite wrestler in Blaydes, Kuniev stuffed 13-of-15 takedown attempts. He displayed terrific balance and athleticism in remaining upright over and over. Kuniev was also the more effective man on the feet in terms of damaging blows landed, although Blaydes won the significant strike count by a 56-45 mark. Kuniev doesn't have one elite skill to fall back upon in the event of trouble, but he's pretty good everywhere and has proven to be durable, having never been finished in his professional career. That's enough to make some waves in a thin heavyweight division at this point.
It was an excellent showing from Kuniev in his official UFC debut, and no one would have been shocked in the least if the scorecards ended up going in his favor. Facing an elite wrestler in Blaydes, Kuniev stuffed 13-of-15 takedown attempts. He displayed terrific balance and athleticism in remaining upright over and over. Kuniev was also the more effective man on the feet in terms of damaging blows landed, although Blaydes won the significant strike count by a 56-45 mark. Kuniev doesn't have one elite skill to fall back upon in the event of trouble, but he's pretty good everywhere and has proven to be durable, having never been finished in his professional career. That's enough to make some waves in a thin heavyweight division at this point.
Fight Log
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Fight rebooked
Kuniev will face off against Curtis Blaydes at UFC Qatar on May 17, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Kuniev will face off against Curtis Blaydes in May after their bout at UFC 313 was cancelled. The 33-year-old Russian fighter is 12-2 in his professional career, making his UFC debut against Blaydes.
Kuniev will face off against Curtis Blaydes in May after their bout at UFC 313 was cancelled. The 33-year-old Russian fighter is 12-2 in his professional career, making his UFC debut against Blaydes.
Fight cancelled
Kuniev will no longer take on Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight bout at UFC 313, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's an unfortunate circumstance for Kuniev, as there's little he could do: his opponent Blaydes suffered an illness and had to pull out of the fight at the last minute. Kuniev's UFC debut will have to wait.
It's an unfortunate circumstance for Kuniev, as there's little he could do: his opponent Blaydes suffered an illness and had to pull out of the fight at the last minute. Kuniev's UFC debut will have to wait.
Fight moved to March
Kuniev will fight Curtis Blaydes at UFC 313 on March 8, per Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com.
ANALYSIS
Kuniev will have to wait a little longer to make his UFC debut as the bout has been moved to UFC 313 from the originally scheduled date at UFC Seattle on February 22. The reason behind this move is thus far unknown.
Kuniev will have to wait a little longer to make his UFC debut as the bout has been moved to UFC 313 from the originally scheduled date at UFC Seattle on February 22. The reason behind this move is thus far unknown.
Debut scheduled vs. Blaydes
Kuniev will take on Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight bout at UFC Seattle on Feb. 22, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Kuniev will make his UFC debut against a fighter in Blaydes who has experience in droves, with a 13-5 career UFC record. Kuniev, meanwhile, is undefeated as a professional fighter, but with a record of just 2-0 and no bouts in the UFC. He'll look to introduce himself to the promotion with a bang by handing Blaydes his second straight loss.
Kuniev will make his UFC debut against a fighter in Blaydes who has experience in droves, with a 13-5 career UFC record. Kuniev, meanwhile, is undefeated as a professional fighter, but with a record of just 2-0 and no bouts in the UFC. He'll look to introduce himself to the promotion with a bang by handing Blaydes his second straight loss.
Debut postponed
Kuniev will not fight at UFC 310, according to the UFC's website.
ANALYSIS
The UFC addressed three fights in particular, with two of them finding replacements. The only one that was "canceled from the card" was Kuniev's fight, indicating he will not participate in the scheduled event.
The UFC addressed three fights in particular, with two of them finding replacements. The only one that was "canceled from the card" was Kuniev's fight, indicating he will not participate in the scheduled event.