UFC - UFC Fight Night
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by Stephen Abiola | in UFC Picks
Cutis Blaydes (18-5-0) and Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1) will go head-to-head next weekend in a thrilling UFC heavyweight battle in Baku, Azerbaijan. Curtis "Razor" Blaydes will come into this fight to show consistency after recent disappointments. He dropped two of his last three fights, the latest upset loss being a KO defeat against Tom Aspinal in a title matchup. He must now recover significant ground to regain his 'top contender' status in the division.
Rizvan Kuniev, on the other hand, carries less experience into the Octagon. He comes into this bout on a hot winning streak, having won both of his UFC assignments. Kuniev is also a serial winner who hasn't tasted defeat in his last 10 assignments. He was impressive against Hugo Cunha last time out, displaying his ability to thrive under pressure and striking with efficiency. We simply cannot underestimate the Russian fighter in this matchup.
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Curtis Blaydes - Rizvan Kuniev Key Points
- Curtis Blaydes won four of his last six UFC fights.
- Three of the last four victories for Blaydes were KO/TKO wins.
- The last five Curtis Blaydes fights finished inside the distance.
- Two of the last three Kuniev fights finished within the distance.
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Our Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev Prediction
We don't expect this bout to go the distance because both fighters can be very explosive inside the Octagon. Kuniev has proved he's an excellent striker, averaging 5.82 significant strikes per minute, with a striking accuracy of 72%. He also averages 2.82 takedowns every 15 minutes with a success rate of 75%.
Conversely, Blaydes is the more accomplished grappler, averaging 5.69 takedowns every 15 minutes with a success rate of 53%. We'll likely see him take his opponent to the mat to finish him with his iconic ground-and-pound elbows. Note that Kuniev recently tested positive for four banned substances. That's enough reason not to trust him on Saturday night.
Our prediction for Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev: Curtis Blaydes to win by KO/TKO.
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