The Curious Matchup
Curtis Blaydes, a perennial top-five heavyweight in the UFC, raised more than a few eyebrows when he was booked to face Rizvan Kuniev, a relatively unknown fighter. Blaydes, known for his robust and successful career, has faced some of the best in the heavyweight division, making this booking seem unusual. Kuniev, making his UFC debut, comes with a limited resume that includes only two fights on The Contender Series, a single appearance in the PFL, and a year-long suspension following a positive drug test for multiple steroids. When the UFC approached Blaydes with Kuniev as his opponent, he had never heard of him and even had to Google his name to learn more. "I did [a double take] but like I always say, the money’s the same regardless if it’s Jon Jones or if it’s a debut guy," Blaydes told MMA Fighting. "The money’s the same so I’ll always be down."
Kuniev: A Newcomer with a Troubled Past
Despite Kuniev’s lack of recognition, his history with performance-enhancing drugs is well-documented. Kuniev was penalized by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for drostanolone, metenolone, boldenone, and 19-norandrosterone, all anabolic steroids, following his fight in the PFL. Discovering this information might have given some fighters pause, but Blaydes remains unfazed. "I heard about that also," he acknowledged. "But even if he is on some stuff, I don’t believe it’s going to help him with his sprawling or help him take a punch. I’m all right with it, even if he is on some stuff." Blaydes’ confidence stems from his belief that his experience and skills are sufficient to overcome any enhancements Kuniev might have.
Lessons from the Past
Blaydes’ nonchalant attitude towards facing a newcomer is rooted in his past experiences. Having come up through wrestling, he has encountered situations where he was heavily favored but ultimately caught off guard. "I think that’s one of the benefits coming up through wrestling," Blaydes explained. "I’ve been in this position before where I was a highly ranked junior in high school, and I got pinned by an unknown heavyweight after messing around with him. After that, I’ve never approached anything athletic like ‘Oh this dude’s a bum.’ He’s here for a reason. He must have some type of skill. I’m going to approach this fight as if he has the ability to beat me, which he does. It only takes one sloppy haymaker and lights out."
The Elusive Match with Ciryl Gane
Although Blaydes is content with his current opponent, he had initially set his sights on a different fighter—Ciryl Gane. Coming off a knockout loss to current interim heavyweight Tom Aspinall in July, Blaydes believed a bout with Gane would be the most logical next step. However, Gane has seemingly avoided Blaydes multiple times over the past few years. "I normally don’t do this, but I have heard this from my management speaking with Hunter [Campbell], who does the contracts and negotiations for heavyweights," Blaydes revealed. "Gane has turned me down three times over the past four years. I asked for him originally in 2021, and they gave me Volkov. I wanted him again after that, and they gave me Derrick Lewis. I’ve asked for him a few times. Originally, that’s the one I wanted after the Aspinall fight. I don’t think we will ever fight, unfortunately."
Understanding the Market Logic
Blaydes understands the market logic behind Gane’s reluctance to face him. "We understand why," he said. "If I go out there and I smash him, he loses a lot of marketability. The aura of the Frenchman who does all the fancy stuff. If you see me go out there and just body slam him on his head like four or five times and elbow him into oblivion, it kind of removes the marketability. So I get it." While it frustrates Blaydes, he recognizes that defeating Gane would cement his position in the title race. In contrast, beating Kuniev might not do much for his legacy or his market value, given the newcomer’s lack of name recognition. "He doesn’t have any value as a name right now. I don’t even know his name. Rizvan Kuniev? Right now doesn’t have a lot of name value," Blaydes noted.
A Legacy of Acceptance
Despite the potential lack of value in the Kuniev bout, Blaydes is proud of his willingness to face any opponent the UFC puts in front of him. "That’s a legacy I’ll brag about," he said. "I won’t brag about the names. I’ll brag that I never said no. Never ever said no." Blaydes’ approach is one of professional integrity and a clear understanding of the sport. He may not be in the latter stages of his career, but he holds his head high knowing that when he finally hangs up his gloves, no one can accuse him of backing down from a fight. This mindset not only reflects his respect for the sport but also his respect for the fighters who step into the octagon with him.
Conclusion
Curtis Blaydes’ willingness to face Rizvan Kuniev, despite the newcomer’s limited and troubled past, speaks volumes about his character and professional resolve. While the fight against Kuniev might not offer the same level of prestige or challenge as a bout with Ciryl Gane, Blaydes remains committed to giving his best performance. His approach is a blend of pragmatism and respect for the sport, ensuring that he will always be remembered as a fighter who never said no. As he prepares for his next fight, Blaydes remains focused and determined, ready to prove once again why he is one of the top heavyweights in the UFC.
