Curtis Blaydes is no stranger to tough fights, but his next opponent at UFC 313 had him doing something unusual—research. When he got the call to face Rizvan Kuniev, he had one reaction: Who is that?
“I had to Google him,” Blaydes admitted. “I watched his Contender Series fight—that’s really all I saw. He’s your typical heavyweight—swings big and hopes for a knockout.”
Kuniev, a former PFL fighter, earned his UFC contract last year, but he’s far from a well-known name. That didn’t faze Blaydes, though. For him, a fight is a fight.
“The money’s the same whether it’s Jon Jones or a debut guy,” he said. “So I’ll always be down.”
Blaydes, currently ranked #5 in the heavyweight division, is returning to action after nearly eight months. His last fight ended in a disappointing first-round knockout loss to Tom Aspinall. Now, he’s determined to get back in the win column—but he’s doing it against a guy few fans know.
Kuniev’s Past Suspension? Blaydes Doesn’t Care
Kuniev’s record isn’t the only thing that raised eyebrows—he also had a run-in with USADA. In 2023, he was suspended for testing positive for multiple anabolic steroids. That might shake some fighters, but Blaydes isn’t losing sleep over it.
“Even if he’s on something, it won’t help him sprawl or take a punch,” he said confidently.
Blaydes has taken on some of the biggest names in the division. He’s fought power punchers, wrestlers, and everything in between. So, whether Kuniev is clean or not, Blaydes doesn’t see anything too special about him.
“I won’t brag about the names I’ve fought,” Blaydes said. “But I will brag that I never said no. Never ever said no.”
Curtis Blaydes Looking to Make a Statement
While Kuniev is stepping into the UFC with something to prove, Blaydes has his own goals. After falling short in his title quest, he needs to remind everyone why he’s a top contender.
A loss here would be devastating for his career, but Blaydes isn’t looking at it that way. He’s coming to UFC 313 with one thing in mind—victory.
