Before doing the tape study, I saw the name, saw he was Russian and was hoping i could fade a very chalked Curtis Blaydes. But i was wrong. Rizvan kinda stinks, especially without the juice. I was going to fade Curtis because he is definitely on the decline. His defensive wrestling holes were on full display against Almeida and his chin has been checked in 2 of his last 3 fights. I was hoping we'd get a Russian wrestler, instead we are getting a Russian cage hugger with bad striking. Curtis is going to be the pick, but the reality is that his chin is long gone and with Rizvan's punches coming from his hips, anything can happen. Likely not spending money here.
Curtis Blaydes
Curtis Blaydes is a fantastic wrestler who averages around 6 takedowns per fight. He has Fast and clean entries to double legs and when he touches the legs, he sprints. But as much as he is known as a wrestler, he hasn't attempted a single takedown in 3 years. His hands deserve credit as well with clean technique and heavyweight power. He is coming off KO loss to Tom Aspinall in his first title shot.
Rizvan Kuniev
Rizvan Kuniev is a former steroid user who was building a nice career for himself. He even has a win over PFL heavyweight beast Rennan Ferreira. But he is seemingly now clean which is apparent in his love handles. Juice or no juice, he is going to fight the same way, throw wild to close distance and grapple. He has decent leg kicks, but also likes winging punches. When he closes distance he looks to grind you to the cage and work you to the ground. On top he has solid control. He is coming off a contender series win to punch his ticket to the UFC.
