UFC on ABC 8 – Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev – Full Fight Replay Available Today

Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev squared off in a compelling heavyweight battle at UFC on ABC 8 on June 20, 2025, inside the electric Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. The fight marked a critical moment in both men’s careers: for Blaydes, it was about redemption; for Kuniev, a chance to make a splash in his UFC debut.

Blaydes, the 34-year-old veteran, came into the octagon aiming to rebound from a crushing first-round knockout loss to Tom Aspinall. Known for his relentless wrestling and grinding top control, Blaydes brought experience and urgency to the cage. On the other side stood Rizvan Kuniev, the 33-year-old Dagestani prospect with a 12–2–1 record, whose well-rounded skill set and sharp striking had made him a standout in the Contender Series. Though Kuniev was new to the UFC spotlight, his confidence and composure were unmistakable.

The first round was a high-level chess match. Kuniev found early success with his crisp boxing, landing precise counters and keeping the fight at range. But Blaydes, as always, turned to his bread and butter—takedowns. He secured top control multiple times, slowly imposing his will and draining Kuniev’s energy. That pattern continued into the second round, where Blaydes’ chain wrestling and cage pressure neutralized Kuniev’s offensive rhythm. Still, the Dagestani debutant stayed dangerous with slick movement and fast hands, making every exchange on the feet a potential turning point.

In the third round, the pace intensified. Kuniev stuffed a few takedowns and landed some clean strikes, momentarily swinging momentum in his favor. But Blaydes responded with a heavy clinch attack and top pressure in the final minutes, closing out the round strong. After 15 grueling minutes, the judges were split. One scored it for Kuniev, 29–28, but two leaned toward Blaydes, who walked away with a narrow split decision victory.

For Blaydes, now 19–5, the win was a necessary step forward—proof that he still belongs in the upper tier of the heavyweight division. For Kuniev, the debut loss did little to dull his stock. At 13–3–1, he showed he can compete with the elite and left Baku with respect and momentum. The bout was gritty, technical, and emotional—exactly the kind of fight that defines a fighter’s future.

UFC’s first-ever card in Azerbaijan delivered, and the Blaydes vs. Kuniev bout was a centerpiece—an intense clash of styles and generations, fought under bright lights and roaring cheers on the shores of the Caspian Sea.