Rizvan Kuniev
Rizvan Kuniev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Kuniev would start his career on a 9–2–1 run with his only losses coming to Darko Stošić and Justin Willis.Kuniev would then compete for the Eagle FC Heavyweight title against Vladimir Dainenko at Eagle FC 31 winning the fight by corner stoppage.
Kuniev then made his Contender Series debut against Edivan Santos on September 28, 2021. He won via third round stoppage, but didn't get a contract with the UFC
After competing on Contender Series, Kuniev would defend his Eagle FC Heavyweight title against UFC veteran Anthony Hamilton at Eagle FC 46 on March 11, 2022. He would win the fight via guillotine choke in the first round.
Kuniev would then sign for the Professional Fighters League for their 2023 season. Kuniev started by going up against Renan Ferreira on April 7, 2023, at PFL 2. Kuniev initially won the fight by unanimous decision, but the result was changed to a no contest when he failed a drug test.
Dana White's Contender Series
Kuniev was then booked to compete on Week 2 of Season 8 of Dana White's Contender Series on August 20, 2024, against Hugo Cunha. He won the fight via first round knockout and was awarded a contract by Dana White.Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kuniev was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Curtis Blaydes on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252. However, the bout was moved to March 8, 2025 at UFC 313 for unknown reasons. A few hours before the event took place, Blaydes withdrew due to an undisclosed illness and the bout was scrapped. The bout was rescheduled for May 17, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 256. In turn, the bout was moved once again and eventually took place on June 21, 2025 at UFC on ABC 8. Kuniev lost the fight by split decision. 11 out of 13 media sources scored the fight in favor of Kuniev.Kuniev was scheduled to face Ryan Spann on February 7, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 266. However, Spann withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jailton Almeida.