Rizvan Kuniev
26 | 6’4″ | Dagestan, Russia | 11-2-1 | 7 Finishes | 5 KO/TKO’s, 2 Submission (RNC) | Combined opponents record- 85-60 | Best win- Shamil Abasov (5-0)
Another name returning to the list for a third time. Kuniev made a big impression by beating Shamil Abasov back in 2019. Abasov was a prospect who was on this list before, and Kuniev stopped him inside three rounds. He’s fought pretty solid competition and his only losses are to former UFC fighters Justin Willis and Darko Stošić. Last season on the Contender Series, Kuniev won, but Dana White wasn’t impressed enough to give him a contract.
Kuniev has some sort of background in Wushu Sanda which you can tell from watching his fights. On the feet, he doesn’t hold that heavyweight power but is agile and diverse, unlike most of the big guys out there. Kuniev is a primarily a kickboxer who fights behind some flashy kicks from a lot of different angles. He’s well-rounded also being able to wrestle well, and he has a good top game.
