Heavyweight, Rizvan Kuniev (12-2-1) vs. Hugo Cunha (8-1)
Notable Notes
- Kuniev hasn’t lost a fight since 2015.
- Kuniev is a former Eagle FC heavyweight champion.
- Cunha went 0-1 in ONE Championship which is his only career loss.
- Kuniev fought on the DWCS in 2021 and despite a win didn’t get a contract.
- Cunha is coming off a win over DWCS alum Eduardo Neves beating him for the LFA title.
- Kuniev’s only two losses came to former UFC fighters Darko Stošić and Justin Willis.
- Cunha has a 100% finish rate. Only loss comes by decision.
- Kuniev went 12-2 as an amateur.
- Cunha was supposed to fight on DWCS in 2021 but he pulled out.
Rizvan Kuniev
Pros
- Heavy leg kicks
- Good endurance
- Good head movement
- Grinder
- Strong clinchwork
- Utilizes feints
- Diverse kickboxing
- Solid TDD
- Good jab
Cons
- Low output
- Plodding footwork
Hugo Cunha
Pros
- Heavy top position
- Submission threat
- Good ground and pound
- Solid jiu-jitsu
Cons
- Cardio needs work
- Nothing on the feet
Prediction: This DWCS fight between Kuniev and Cunha is a contrast of styles. Kuniev should clear on the feet but he needs to actually throw. Cunha on the feet has nothing offensively or defensively. Kuniev could very well clip Cunha on the chin.
Cunha has really good jiu-jitsu but his wrestling isn’t good. Kuniev has good jiu-jitsu and his wrestling is even better. I can see Kuniev getting a takedown but Cunha sweeping. If that were to happen I don’t see Cunha being able to completely control Kuniev. Cunha could win minutes but will slow as those minutes pass. Kuniev has more ways to win and has the gas tank to exploit those holes Cunha has deeper in the fight. I’ve got Kuniev but TKO in round two and I’m 80% confident.
