Curtis Blaydes, a long-standing top contender in the UFC heavyweight division, raised eyebrows when his next fight was announced against Rizvan Kuniev, a relatively unknown newcomer.
While acknowledging Kuniev’s potential, Blaydes pointed out Kuniev’s limited UFC experience. Kuniev is entering the UFC scene after participating in two Contender Series fights, one PFL appearance, and a year-long suspension due to a positive drug test for multiple steroids. Blaydes confessed his unfamiliarity with Kuniev, stating he had to research his opponent after the UFC proposed the fight.
“I was a bit taken aback, but as I always say, the pay is the same whether it’s Jon Jones or a debutant,” Blaydes told MMA Fighting. “Money is money, so I’m always ready.”
“I had to Google him. I watched his Contender Series fight, which was the only footage I really looked at. He seems like a typical heavyweight – swings hard, aiming for an early knockout.”
Blaydes’ research unveiled Kuniev’s suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for testing positive for several banned substances, including drostanolone, metenelone, boldenone, and 19-norandrosterone, all anabolic steroids.
Despite this revelation, Blaydes remains unfazed.
“I heard about that suspension,” Blaydes commented. “Maybe it’s part of the plan, perhaps he needs to clear his system. I’ve heard similar rumors about Jailton Almeida, who is indeed strong and skilled, but steroids alone won’t be decisive. It’s not enough.”
“Even if he is using something, I doubt it will improve his sprawl or his ability to absorb a punch. I’m okay with it, even if he is on something.”
The real danger, according to Blaydes, is the overwhelming favorite status he carries into the UFC 313 fight against an unproven rookie.
This high expectation for a dominant win reminds Blaydes of a past wrestling lesson.
“I think my wrestling background helps here,” Blaydes explained. “I’ve been in similar situations before. As a highly ranked junior in high school wrestling, I once faced an unknown opponent. I underestimated him, played around, and got pinned by a headlock from this unranked guy.”
“Since then, I never underestimate any athletic opponent. He’s in the UFC for a reason. He must have some skills. I’m approaching this fight with respect. He’s here, in the UFC. They don’t bring in unskilled heavyweights. I’m going in assuming he has the ability to beat me, because he does. It’s heavyweight; one powerful strike can end it all.”
While not bothered by facing a newcomer, Blaydes initially aimed for a fight against a higher-ranked opponent.
Following his knockout loss to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, Blaydes considered Ciryl Gane as the most logical matchup, though he wasn’t overly optimistic about it.
Blaydes, who doesn’t consider himself a trash talker, revealed that Gane has reportedly avoided fighting him multiple times.
“I usually don’t do this, but he has declined fights – my management told me Hunter Campbell, who handles heavyweight contracts, said he has turned me down three times in four years,” Blaydes disclosed. “I initially asked for him in 2021 and got Volkov. I asked again, and they gave me Derrick Lewis. I’ve asked for him several times.”
“After the Aspinall fight, Gane was my first choice. But he ended up fighting Volkov. I don’t think we’ll ever fight, unfortunately.”
Despite his frustration, Blaydes understands Gane’s potential reasoning.
“We understand why,” Blaydes said. “If I dominate him, his marketability decreases. The image of the fancy French fighter. If I just slam him on his head and ground and pound him, it hurts his brand. So, I get it.”
“It’s frustrating because I think it would be a great fight for me. Beating him should earn me another title shot. Beating my current opponent, it’s hard to say. He doesn’t have much name recognition right now. Rizvan Kuniev? He doesn’t bring much name value.”
While a win against Kuniev might not significantly boost his career, Blaydes takes pride in accepting the challenge.
Blaydes emphasizes that when he retires, he wants to be remembered for never backing down from a fight.
“That’s the legacy I’ll boast about,” Blaydes concluded. “Not about specific names, but that I never said no. Never ever.”
