Curtis Blaydes is set to face Rizvan Kuniev in the UFC heavyweight division at UFC on ABC 8, taking place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. This event marks the UFC’s debut in Azerbaijan and is a significant moment for both fighters, with Blaydes looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and Kuniev aiming to prove himself against elite competition.
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev – Fight Week Odds
Blaydes enters the fight as a clear favorite. The opening odds for Blaydes ranged from about -250 to -290, while Kuniev started as a sizable underdog at +210 to +235. Over time, the odds for Blaydes have shown some fluctuation, tightening and loosening between -250 and -295 in various betting markets as the fight approaches, but he has consistently remained the favorite. Kuniev’s odds have also moved, generally settling in the +210 to +270 range. These minor shifts reflect slight changes in betting sentiment but do not indicate a major shift in confidence regarding the likely winner.
Most analysts and oddsmakers expect Curtis Blaydes to win, likely by knockout or technical knockout. Blaydes is known for his elite wrestling and ground-and-pound, while Kuniev is a strong striker with impressive accuracy and some grappling skills. The odds for Blaydes winning by KO/TKO are around +140, and by decision at +220; Kuniev is a much longer shot for a KO/TKO win at +600 and for a decision at +550. The prediction for the fight ending inside the distance is strong, as both fighters have a high finish rate in recent bouts.
For Blaydes, this fight is about redemption and reclaiming his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division. He has lost two of his last three fights, both by knockout, including a bid for the interim title against Tom Aspinall, and needs a decisive win to stay relevant in the title picture. For Kuniev, this is the biggest test of his career. He comes in on a hot streak, undefeated in his last ten fights, but has not faced UFC-level competition until now. A win would catapult him into the heavyweight rankings and establish him as a serious threat.
Curtis Blaydes is an experienced UFC heavyweight, known for his wrestling and ground control. He has faced top fighters like Derrick Lewis, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Tom Aspinall, and has consistently been ranked among the division’s best. Blaydes is 6’4”, weighs 265 lbs, and has an 80-inch reach.
Curtis Blaydes is the favorite to win, with odds that have remained fairly stable, slightly tightening as the fight nears. The most likely method is a finish inside the distance, with Blaydes expected to use his wrestling and ground-and-pound to secure victory. The stakes are high for both: Blaydes needs to reassert himself as a contender, while Kuniev has the chance to make a name for himself on the biggest stage.
