UFC Predictions: Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev, June 21, 2025
- Kingpin
- Jun 20, 2025, 4:30:25 AM
UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. - Heavyweight Contention: Curtis "Razor" Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
The UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. event on June 21, 2025, at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan, will feature a critical heavyweight clash. Top contender Curtis "Razor" Blaydes will take on the dangerous Russian prospect Rizvan Kuniev.
Fighter Backgrounds
Curtis Blaydes
Curtis "Razor" Blaydes (18-5-0), representing Elevation Fight Team in the USA, is one of the top heavyweight contenders, known for his elite wrestling and powerful ground and pound. With 13 TKO/KO wins, Blaydes has proven himself against the division's best, often out-wrestling opponents to dominant victories. He is looking to rebound from a recent loss.
Rizvan Kuniev
Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1), fighting out of Gorets in Russia, is a powerful heavyweight with a strong wrestling base and heavy hands. With 6 TKO/KO wins and 2 submissions, Kuniev has impressed on the regional scene and in his brief UFC appearances, most recently securing a TKO win on Dana White's Contender Series.
Fighting Styles and Strengths
Curtis Blaydes
- Elite Wrestling: Blaydes possesses some of the best takedowns and top control in the heavyweight division.
- Devastating Ground and Pound: Once he gets opponents to the mat, he inflicts significant damage with his elbows and punches.
- Physical Strength: He is incredibly strong and uses his power to overwhelm opponents in grappling exchanges.
Rizvan Kuniev
- Strong Grappling: Kuniev also has a solid wrestling base, capable of securing takedowns and maintaining control.
- Heavy Hands: He can deliver powerful strikes, particularly in close quarters.
- Resilient: He has a good chin and has shown the ability to withstand punishment.
Recent Performances
Curtis Blaydes
Curtis Blaydes is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Tom Aspinall in July 2024 at UFC 304. Before that, he scored an impressive TKO win over Jailton Almeida in March 2024 and suffered a TKO loss to Sergei Pavlovich in April 2023. His recent fights have been against top-tier heavyweights, showcasing his consistent presence at the top of the division.
Rizvan Kuniev
Rizvan Kuniev is coming off a TKO win over Hugo Cunha on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2024, which secured his UFC contract. Prior to that, he had a no-contest with Renan Ferreira in PFL in April 2023 and a submission win over Anthony Hamilton in Eagle FC in March 2022. He's been consistently active and successful outside the UFC, and now looks to make his mark within the promotion.
Odds and Betting Information
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Curtis Blaydes | -290 |
| Rizvan Kuniev | +235 |
Curtis Blaydes is the heavy favorite in this heavyweight clash at -290, reflecting his established position in the division. Rizvan Kuniev is the underdog at +235. The recommended pick for this fight is Curtis Blaydes to win at -250.
Keys to Victory
Curtis Blaydes
- Implement Wrestling Early: Blaydes should immediately look to take Kuniev down and begin his ground and pound.
- Maintain Top Control: Once on the ground, he needs to secure dominant positions and prevent Kuniev from scrambling back up.
- Limit Striking Exchanges: While his striking has improved, Blaydes's safest path is to rely on his superior wrestling against a powerful puncher.
Rizvan Kuniev
- Takedown Defense: Kuniev's biggest challenge will be stopping Blaydes's relentless takedowns.
- Land Big Shots: He needs to connect with his heavy hands on the feet to deter Blaydes or potentially find a knockout.
- Exploit Any Openings: If Blaydes makes a mistake in striking or a grappling exchange, Kuniev needs to capitalize immediately.
Prediction
This heavyweight bout is a classic grappler vs. grappler contest, but Curtis Blaydes operates at a much higher level in the wrestling department within the UFC. While Rizvan Kuniev is a strong wrestler with heavy hands, he hasn't faced the sheer volume and power of takedowns that Blaydes brings. Blaydes's ability to repeatedly secure takedowns, control opponents, and unleash brutal ground and pound has been his bread and butter throughout his career.
Blaydes's recent TKO loss to Aspinall was a quick stoppage against an elite striker, but his win over Almeida showed he can still dominate top grapplers in the division. Kuniev, while impressive on the regional scene and DWCS, is stepping up significantly in competition. Blaydes's experience against top-tier heavyweights and his superior wrestling pedigree should allow him to control the fight. Expect Blaydes to nullify Kuniev's offense, secure takedowns, and slowly but surely break him down.
Prediction: Curtis Blaydes to win (-250). At -250, Curtis Blaydes is a strong pick. His wrestling is elite, and while Kuniev has grappling, he is unlikely to match Blaydes's chain wrestling and top control. Blaydes has consistently shown the ability to dominate opponents with his wrestling, and this matchup seems tailored for him to get back into the win column using his bread and butter. Expect Blaydes to secure takedowns early and often, wear down Kuniev, and potentially find a late TKO or a clear unanimous decision victory.
Betting on MMA carries inherent risks. This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee outcomes. Please bet responsibly. Odds are subject to change.
