MMA Match Preview: Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1, 1 NC) vs. Curtis Blaydes (18-5-0, 1 NC)
The heavyweight division will see a high-stakes battle as former title challenger Curtis “Razor” Blaydes takes on promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev at UFC Baku, hosted at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. Blaydes enters as the heavy favorite while Kuniev looks to pull off a massive upset in his UFC debut.
Fight Details
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: Main Card – Approx. 10:00 PM UTC
Venue: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
Event: UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree
Broadcast: ESPN+, TNT Sports, UFC Fight Pass
Fighter Profiles & Stats
Curtis Blaydes (USA) – “Razor”
Record: 18-5-0 (1 NC)
Age: 34
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 265 lbs
Reach: 80″
Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.54
Striking Accuracy: 50%
Takedown Accuracy: 53%
Significant Strike Defense: 58%
Blaydes is a dominant wrestler, averaging 5.69 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most dangerous grapplers in the heavyweight division. His ground-and-pound is elite, with multiple finishes via strikes. His last fight saw him lose to Tom Aspinall via first-round KO, marking a setback in his title aspirations.
Rizvan Kuniev (Russia) – Former Eagle FC Champion
Record: 12-2-1 (1 NC)
Age: 33
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 240 lbs
Reach: 76″
Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.82
Striking Accuracy: 72%
Takedown Accuracy: 75%
Significant Strike Defense: 55%
Kuniev is a high-pressure striker with strong wrestling skills, boasting a 75% takedown conversion rate. He absorbs only 1.25 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more defensively sound fighters in the division. His last fight saw him defeat Hugo Cunha via first-round TKO, showcasing his finishing ability.
Key Matchups to Watch
Wrestling Battle: Blaydes has the edge in takedown volume, but Kuniev has better takedown accuracy.
Striking Power: Kuniev has higher striking accuracy (72%), but Blaydes has better defense (58%).
Fight Pace: Kuniev absorbs only 1.25 strikes per minute, meaning Blaydes may struggle to land clean shots.
FIGHT ODDS
Rizvan Kuniev + 230
Curtis Blaydes – 285
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
