Blaydes Faces UFC Newcomer Kuniev Amid Drug Controversy

LAS VEGAS, March 4, 2025 — Curtis Blaydes is set to face Rizvan Kuniev in a highly anticipated bout at UFC 313 this Saturday. The fight raises eyebrows, as Kuniev, an octagon newcomer, has a controversial past. Following a suspension due to a positive drug test for multiple anabolic steroids, many question his preparedness for the challenge that is Blaydes, an established heavyweight contender.

Blaydes has long been ranked among the top fighters in the heavyweight division, but he admits to being unfamiliar with Kuniev prior to their matchup being scheduled. “I had to Google him. I watched his fight on The Contender [Series], that’s really the only fight of his I watched,” Blaydes told MMA Fighting. “He looks like your traditional heavyweight — swings heavy and hopes to knock you out early.” While Kuniev may not be a known name in MMA, Blaydes recognizes the unpredictability of the heavyweight division.

Kuniev’s rise to this point includes two fights in Dana White‘s Contender Series and an experience in the Professional Fighters League. However, his dominating performance was marred by a year-long suspension following a failed drug test in May 2023, which revealed four banned substances, including drostanolone and boldenone. Blaydes stressed that this does not define Kuniev’s abilities. “I’m not going to not approach him with the respect he deserves. He’s here, he’s in the UFC,” Blaydes stated.

Despite the drug test scandal, Blaydes is not letting it disrupt his focus. He stated, “Even if he is on some stuff, I don’t believe it’s going to help him with his sprawling or help him take a punch. I’m all right with it, even if he is on some stuff.” He emphasized that every opponent deserves respect, recounting a past experience in wrestling where an unranked opponent managed to pin him. “This is heavyweight. It only takes one sloppy haymaker and lights out,” he explained.

Initially, Blaydes was hoping for a fight against another established contender but settled for Kuniev after failing to secure other matchups. He expressed disappointment over potential fights that have fallen through, particularly a battle with Ciryl Gane, who has declined previous offers to face him. “I think it would be a great fight for me. I beat him, that should be enough to get another title shot,” Blaydes said, lamenting that a victory over Kuniev may not carry the same weight.

As for the stakes in the matchup with Kuniev, Blaydes acknowledged, “Beating the guy I’m about to fight right now, it’s hard to say. He doesn’t have any value as a name right now.” However, he is determined to showcase his skill and continue building his legacy in the sport. “I won’t brag about the names. I’ll brag that I never said no. Never ever said no,” Blaydes concluded.

The heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev is scheduled for the final preliminary card of UFC 313, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8.