Curtis Blaydes, a consistent top heavyweight contender in the UFC, raised eyebrows when his next opponent was announced as Rizvan Kuniev, a relatively unknown fighter.
Kuniev, while potentially skilled, is entering the UFC scene to face Blaydes after a brief stint on The Contender Series, one appearance in the PFL, and a year-long suspension due to a positive drug test for multiple steroids. Blaydes confessed he was completely unfamiliar with Kuniev until the UFC proposed him as an opponent.
“I was surprised, but as I always say, the paycheck remains the same whether I’m fighting a top-tier opponent or a newcomer,” Blaydes told. “The money is consistent, so I’m always ready to fight.”
“I had to look him up on Google. I watched his Contender Series fight, which is the only fight footage I’ve seen of him. He appears to be a typical heavyweight – swings powerfully and aims for an early knockout.”
During his research, Blaydes discovered Kuniev’s suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for several banned substances, including drostanolone, metenelone, boldenone, and 19-norandrosterone – all anabolic steroids.
This information might concern some fighters, but Blaydes isn’t losing sleep over it.
“I heard about that suspension,” Blaydes acknowledged. “Perhaps it’s part of the reason for this matchup, maybe he needs to clear his system. I’ve heard similar rumors about Jailton Almeida, who is indeed strong and skilled, but steroids won’t be the deciding factor. They won’t be enough.”
“Even if he is using performance enhancers, I doubt it will improve his takedown defense or his ability to absorb punches. I’m not concerned, even if he is using something.”
The primary risk for Blaydes in this fight might be complacency, as he is heavily favored to win against an inexperienced UFC newcomer. Expectations are high for Blaydes to dominate Kuniev, but he has learned that predictions don’t always materialize.
“I believe my wrestling background is beneficial in this regard,” Blaydes explained. “I’ve been in similar situations before. In high school wrestling, as a highly ranked junior, I faced an unknown opponent. I underestimated him, played around, and ended up getting pinned by this unranked heavyweight.”
“Since then, I never approach any athletic contest thinking someone is a pushover. He’s here for a reason. He must possess some skill. I will approach him with the respect he deserves. He’s in the UFC. They don’t bring in unskilled heavyweights. I’m preparing as if he has the capability to defeat me, because he does. This is heavyweight fighting; one powerful, unexpected punch can end it all.”
While Blaydes wasn’t bothered by facing a UFC newcomer, his initial preference was a different opponent.
Following a knockout loss to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in July, Blaydes believed a fight against Ciryl Gane would be logical. However, he didn’t have high hopes for it happening.
Blaydes doesn’t consider himself a trash talker and doesn’t seek confrontation, but he believes Gane has consistently avoided fighting him.
“I usually don’t disclose this, but I’ve heard from my management that Gane has declined to fight me three times in the past four years,” Blaydes revealed. “I initially requested to fight him in 2021 but was given Volkov. I requested him again afterwards and fought Derrick Lewis. I’ve asked for him multiple times.”
“After the Aspinall loss, Gane was my first choice. But he ended up fighting Volkov. I don’t think we will ever fight, unfortunately.”
Although Gane’s apparent avoidance is frustrating, Blaydes understands the reasoning, particularly regarding the potential visual outcome of the fight.
“We understand why,” Blaydes stated. “If I dominate him, it significantly diminishes his marketability. The image of the stylish Frenchman takes a hit if I repeatedly slam him and elbow him into unconsciousness. So, I get it.”
“It’s frustrating because I believe it would be a great fight for me. A win against him should be enough to earn another title shot. Beating my current opponent, it’s hard to say. He lacks name recognition right now. I didn’t even know his name. Rizvan Kuniev? He doesn’t have much name value currently.”
While defeating Kuniev might not significantly boost his career trajectory beyond the immediate paycheck, Blaydes is proud that he accepted the fight offer.
He acknowledges he’s not at the end of his career and takes pride in knowing that when he eventually retires, no one will be able to say he ever refused a fight.
“That’s the legacy I’ll boast about,” Blaydes concluded. “Not necessarily the names I’ve fought, but the fact I never said no. Never.”
