Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC Fight Night
Curtis Blaydes is the biggest favorite on the main card at UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan. Can Blaydes take control against Rizvan Kuniev in the third to last fight of the night? Jason Radowitz is rocking with the American favorite in his Blaydes vs. Kuniev prediction for UFC Fight Night on June 21st.
Jason Radowitz
| 5 Minute Read
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC Fight Night
Curtis Blaydes is finally back in the octagon after losing the UFC Heavyweight Championship fight against Tom Aspinall on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304.
Aspinall landed a left jab and a follow-up punch that dropped Blaydes just one minute into the contest. Aspinall took advantage, and the ref had to stop the fight, allowing Aspinall to hold onto the interim heavyweight belt.
It was an unfortunate result for Blaydes. However, he still holds the UFC record for takedowns and control time. He's a dominant force who has improved as a striker over time.
Meanwhile, he'll take on Rizvan Kuniev, who is making his UFC debut. His last fight came in Dana White's Contender Series against Hugo Cunha.
It's pretty interesting to note that Kuniev was caught using PEDs in the PFL, but now he'll get an opportunity to fight a top-five heavyweight in his UFC debut.
Blaydes admitted that even if Kuniev is still using PEDs, it wouldn't make a difference in the fight.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for the UFC Fight Night matchup between Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev.
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Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizan Kuniev Odds
- Moneyline: Blaydes (-235), Kuniev (+190)
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizan Kuniev Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET (Main Card)
- Where to Watch: ABC
Click here for complete Blaydes vs. Kuniev odds
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizan Kuniev Prediction
Curtis Blaydes is an elite wrestler. He'll try to control Kuniev with his grappling and look to tire him out. We've seen Kuniev use pressure, but he's less proven.
Ultimately, Blaydes will want to keep pressure on Kuniev, especially because Kuniev has heavy hands and can earn big-time knockouts when given the chance. Blaydes doesn't have that luxury. Yes, his striking has improved, but he's much better as a wrestler.
While this fight isn't five rounds, Blaydes should still show off his gas tank. He's one of the few heavyweights who actually has quality endurance in fights. If Kuniev isn't able to earn a knockout in the first round, it'll be hard for him to come out on top in the next two rounds.
That said, the UFC is clearly high on Kuniev. They've changed the location of this fight multiple times and have a new UFC fighter already taking on a top contender in the heavyweight division.
Still, there's a lot at stake for Blaydes, who wants another opportunity at the title eventually. He seems prepared and eager to get back in the octagon. Take Blaydes at -235 on the moneyline.
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizan Kuniev Pick
- Pick: Curtis Blaydes ML (-235) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for Blayes vs. Kuniev at UFC Fight Night
MMA ODDS & PICKS
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