Rizvan Kuniev Demands Rematch With Curtis Blaydes After Controversial UFC Debut Loss

The Russian heavyweight fighter believes he was wrongly denied victory in his first UFC fight and wants a chance to prove he's the better man.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Rizvan Kuniev, a Russian heavyweight fighter, is calling for a rematch with Curtis Blaydes after losing a controversial split decision in his UFC debut last June. Kuniev believes he was the rightful winner of that fight and wants to prove it in the octagon. Despite picking up a win over Jailton Almeida in his most recent bout, Kuniev says he's not fully satisfied and is eager to get another shot at Blaydes.

Why it matters

This potential rematch between Kuniev and Blaydes would be a high-stakes heavyweight clash between two rising contenders in the UFC's talent-rich heavyweight division. The controversy surrounding their first fight has added intrigue, as Kuniev feels he was unfairly denied the victory and is determined to set the record straight.

The details

In his UFC debut last June, Kuniev lost a split decision to Blaydes in a fight that many felt could have gone the other way. Now back in the win column after defeating Almeida, Kuniev is adamant that he should have his hand raised against Blaydes and is willing to prove it in a rematch. Kuniev believes the first fight was not decisive and that a second matchup is needed to determine who the better fighter is.

  • Kuniev lost a split decision to Blaydes in June 2025.
  • Kuniev defeated Jailton Almeida on February 8, 2026.

The players

Rizvan Kuniev

A Russian heavyweight fighter with a 14-3-1 MMA record, who is 1-1 in the UFC after a controversial split decision loss to Curtis Blaydes in his debut.

Curtis Blaydes

A top-ranked UFC heavyweight contender who defeated Kuniev via split decision in their first matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I'm ready for anybody the organization give me. Anybody the promotion offers me, I'll take them. But most importantly, I would love to fight Curtis Blaydes.”

— Rizvan Kuniev, UFC Fighter (MMA Junkie)

“The reason being is because we have sort of a history between us. He thinks he won the last fight. I think I might've won the last fight. So I think that we need another matchup, another fight, to figure out who's better because I don't think that one was decisive.”

— Rizvan Kuniev, UFC Fighter (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

The UFC will need to decide whether to book a rematch between Kuniev and Blaydes, which would give Kuniev a chance to avenge his controversial loss and prove he is the better fighter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around judging in MMA and the desire for fighters to get a chance to settle unfinished business in the octagon. Kuniev's determination to right what he sees as a wrong decision in his UFC debut has set the stage for a potentially thrilling heavyweight rematch.