Date & Time: June 21st, 4:30 PM EST (Main Card Bout)
Location: Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan
Odds: Blaydes -255, Kuniev +215
Analysis:
The location in Baku, Azerbaijan, adds a layer of intrigue, and drastically changes the fundamental analysis.
- Curtis Blaydes (Visiting Heavyweight): A seasoned UFC heavyweight known for his dominant wrestling and ground-and-pound. His path to victory is usually through takedowns and control. He needs to be careful in exchanges due to getting KO’ed.
- Rizvan Kuniev (Russian Heavyweight): Less-known prospect with a possible fanbase advantage in Baku, looking for a career-defining victory. Being a local and the main card status tells us that he is a dangerous striker.
Key Factors:
- Blaydes’ Wrestling Dominance: Wrestling is always key to Blaydes success. If he is successful in getting Kuniev to the mat, it could be an easy night
- Kuniev’s Takedown Defense and Striking: Being in Baku gives Kuniev the mental advantage. He can explode with strikes, which gives him an opportunity to win.
- Baku Advantage: The crowd could influence the judges, creating a potentially tougher environment for Blaydes if the fight goes to decision.
Prediction:
The Baku card and the crowd give Kuniev an extreme mental advantage. Given the odds and fight status Kuniev will explode in the first two rounds. He has a high chance of getting a KO in round 1 or 2.
Pick: Kuniev wins round 1 or 2 by TKO”