Rizvan Kuniev

Rizvan Kuniev is an Orthodox heavyweight with a 13-3-1 professional record who operates as a balanced striker-grappler in the heavyweight division. Standing 6'4" with a 76-inch reach, Kuniev lands 3.94 strikes per minute at 54% accuracy while maintaining solid defensive fundamentals at 48% strike defense.

His grappling profile shows moderate activity with 0.98 takedowns per 15 minutes and exceptional takedown defense at 93%, though his 75% takedown accuracy indicates he commits selectively to wrestling. Over his recent four-fight stretch, Kuniev has gone 3-1, highlighted by a first-round knockout of Hugo Cunha in August 2024 and a unanimous decision victory over Jailton Almeida in February 2026, demonstrating finishing power and the ability to control fights over distance.

His only recent setback came via split decision against Curtis Blaydes in June 2025, a competitive performance against elite heavyweight competition. Kuniev's lack of submission activity (0.0 per 15 minutes) combined with moderate striking output suggests he relies on technical precision and wrestling defense rather than high-volume offense or submission threats.

His next assignment will determine whether he can climb back into contention following the Blaydes loss.