Match Analysis: Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-06-21
- Time: 8:30 PM UTC
- Location: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
Game Overview
Curtis Blaydes, ranked No. 5 heavyweight and a UFC veteran, faces Rizvan Kuniev, a debuting Russian heavyweight with a history of success in Eagle FC and PFL but also a past PED suspension. The bout marks UFC's debut event in Azerbaijan, with Blaydes seeking to rebound from recent losses and Kuniev aiming to prove himself immediately against elite competition.
Key Factors to Consider
- Blaydes carries a record of 18-5-0 with strong wrestling and striking defense, preventing 58% of opponents’ significant strikes and landing 3.54 significant strikes per minute at 50% accuracy. Kuniev, with a 12-2-1 record and highly aggressive striking, lands 5.82 significant strikes per minute at 72% accuracy, while absorbing fewer strikes (1.25 per minute) compared to Blaydes (1.91).
- There is no previous matchup or direct head-to-head history between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev, making this a fresh contest without historical data.
- No specific injury reports are indicated for either fighter leading into the match.
- This event is UFC's first in Azerbaijan at Baku Crystal Hall, which could carry motivational factors and pressure for both fighters, especially for Kuniev who is debuting and fighting away from home territory.
- Blaydes is motivated to rebound from recent setbacks and retain his top-five heavyweight status; Kuniev is highly motivated to validate his UFC debut after controversies and suspensions, facing a top competitor immediately.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Curtis Blaydes: -238, Rizvan Kuniev: 195 | Curtis Blaydes | ★★★★☆ 72% |
| Spread | Curtis Blaydes: -3.5 -150, Rizvan Kuniev: 3.5 110 | Curtis Blaydes to win by more than 3.5 rounds | ★★★☆☆ 65% |
| Over/under | Over: 2.5 -105, Under: 2.5 -125 | Over 2.5 rounds | ★★★☆☆ 60% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Curtis Blaydes -1% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 21% |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Over 2.5 at 21% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 22.1% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Curtis Blaydes is favored to win due to his UFC experience, wrestling base, and solid defensive metrics despite Kuniev’s impressive striking volume and accuracy. The fight may go to the later rounds with Blaydes controlling pace and grappling exchanges.
Predicted Score: Curtis Blaydes wins by decision after 3 rounds