Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev UFC Betting Analysis 2025

Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev: A Heavyweight Showdown Not to Miss

Get ready, fight fans and sports bettors, because the octagon is about to heat up with a clash of titans! Mark your calendars for March 9th, 2025, as the T-Mobile Arena in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada, hosts a thrilling matchup between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev as part of the UFC 313 event. As the clock ticks closer to the preliminary card's 1:00 AM start time, excitement is bubbling over for this heavyweight bout.

UFC Betting Tips abound as seasoned heavyweight Curtis Blaydes steps into the cage, bringing not only a #5 ranking but also a formidable professional record of 18 wins with 13 knockouts to his name. Fighting out of the US, Blaydes is the favorite heading into this matchup, featured at competitive odds of -310 on FanDuel and -300 on BetOnline. What makes Blaydes a hot pick among many bettors is his well-rounded skills, highlighted through a significant strike accuracy of 50% and an impressive win streak against high-caliber opponents like Jailton Almeida and Chris Daukaus.

However, Rizvan Kuniev isn't just coming to fill the card. This Russian powerhouse may be relatively new to the UFC with an unbeaten record of 2-0, but his significant strike accuracy of 72% is enough to keep any fighter on their toes. Kuniev stands as an intriguing underdog at odds of +230 on FanDuel and +250 on BetOnline, offering considerable value for bettors looking to capitalize on his potential for an upset. With a stellar takedown defense so far at 100%, Kuniev adds an unpredictable element to this matchup, which could sway the battle in surprising ways.

Both fighters boast a rich arsenal of skills and contrasting styles. Curtis Blaydes, with his 80-inch arm reach, looks to leverage that advantage to control distance and dictate the pace. On the flip side, Kuniev’s ability to land significant strikes with precision, combined with his strong takedown accuracy at 75%, gives a strong reason for his fans and backers to stay optimistic about his prospects.

For the casual observer, analyst, or hardcore bettor, the Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev analysis offers numerous angles to explore. Whether it's examining Blaydes' tactical approach and past encounters or understanding Kuniev's ascent in the heavyweight division, this matchup is set to be a fascinating encounter between established dominance and emerging potential.

Both fighters are in their prime—Blaydes at 33 years old and Kuniev at 32—setting the stage for a physically demanding contest. Perhaps it's the classic narrative of experience versus the enthusiasm of a newcomer that makes this matchup enticing. Whatever your angle, this heavyweight bout assures fans of excitement, strategy, and the potential for upsets, culminating in a contest that embodies the thrilling unpredictability of UFC and the quest for heavyweight glory.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Pereira vs Ankalaev can be found on the Pereira vs Ankalaev event page.

Fighter Profiles: Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev

When it comes to the looming matchup between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev, understanding their fighter profiles is crucial for anyone delving into UFC betting tips or simply anticipating a thrilling bout.

Curtis Blaydes: The American Powerhouse

Curtis "Razor" Blaydes, a formidable force in the heavyweight division, hails from Naperville, United States. At 33 years old, he's carved out a solid reputation with a record of 18 wins, 5 losses, and no draws. His fighting style is a blend of wrestling and striking, allowing him to dominate both on the ground and standing upright. Since his UFC debut in 2016, Blaydes has progressively sharpened his skills, securing 13 wins by knockout, showcasing his ability to end fights swiftly and decisively.

Recent Form

Blaydes' recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, making for an intriguing narrative. In his last five outings, he holds a 3-2 win-loss record. Notably, he secured a victory against Jailton Almeida via a second-round TKO, demonstrating his lethal striking capabilities. However, losses against powerhouses like Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich via knockouts depict a vulnerability when faced against high-caliber strikers. These outcomes, occurring in early rounds, can signal concerns regarding defensive adaptability.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Blaydes’ significant strike accuracy is 50%, with a takedown accuracy of 53%, bolstering his reputation as a versatile fighter. His weakness, notably, is in takedown defense, resting at a 32% success rate. This statistic suggests a vulnerability to opponents adept at securing and capitalizing on takedowns, which could be a crucial pivot point for his upcoming match against Kuniev.

Rizvan Kuniev: The Rising Russian Star

Standing opposite Blaydes is 32-year-old Rizvan Kuniev from Russia, a rising talent in the UFC’s heavyweight scene. While his professional record pales in size compared to Blaydes, boasting 2 wins with no losses since entering the UFC in February 2025, Kuniev has demonstrated striking precision that piques interest. His fighting style, while somewhat undefined in traditional terms, displays a disciplined technical approach, evidenced by his remarkable significant strike accuracy of 72%.

Recent Form

Kuniev remains undefeated in his short UFC tenure, albeit with no knockouts or submission victories, indicating a methodology in motion rather than explosive finishes. This suggests a tactical emphasis on controlling the fight rather than simply going for the quick knockout, aligning with his background where patience and calculated aggression are keys to victory.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of Kuniev's greatest strengths is his takedown defense at 100%, paired with an impressive takedown accuracy of 75%. These statistics would poignant for Blaydes, who often relies on his wrestling pedigree. His areas of concern, however, lie in experience and battlefield tested mettle—factors that could be exposed by an opponent of Blaydes’ caliber who’s accustomed to top-tier competition.

This breakdown showcases two heavyweights, each wielding different weapons but equally motivated by the tantalizing promise of victory on a massive stage. Curtis Blaydes’ seasoned approach and Rizvan Kuniev’s unyielding grip on potential make this a fight that promises fans and bettors an exhilarating display of heavyweight prowess.

Betting Odds Breakdown: Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev

Enough about the fighters, let’s dive into what many UFC betting enthusiasts are genuinely drawn to—odds, odds history, and potential payouts for the Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev clash.

Current Betting Odds

Right off the bat, the oddsmakers have positioned American heavyweight Curtis Blaydes as the favorite in the upcoming fight. Blaydes’ odds are listed at -310 on FanDuel and a slightly more favorable -300 on BetOnline. It signals strong market confidence in his ability to claim victory based on his layered experience and past performances.

On the flip side, Rizvan Kuniev, the Russian behemoth with an untarnished UFC record, enters the octagon as the underdog. You’ll find his odds at +230 on FanDuel and +250 on BetOnline. For bettors who favor an underdog story drawn from Kuniev’s potential to pull off an upset, these odds are certainly tantalizing.

Sportsbook Insights and Changes

Looking at the odds history, FanDuel and BetOnline showed early updates on their numbers, making them key go-to platforms for initial odds insight. Both have remained relatively stable, with FanDuel exhibiting minor fluctuations compared to BetOnline, which signals a steadier read of market consensus around Blaydes being the stronger candidate. BetOnline, whose odds show a slight breadth for Kuniev, might hint at more market betting on an upset or higher volatility on that outcome potentially.

If you're gearing up for a wager, these odds also dictate your potential payouts. Placing a $1,000 bet on Curtis Blaydes at -300 on BetOnline could net you a return of approximately $1,333.33, covering your original stake and a profit of $333.33. Conversely, if you’re one for high-risk, high-reward situations, backing Rizvan Kuniev at +250 on BetOnline means a $1,000 stake could turn into a rewarding $3,500 total payout, translating into a hefty $2,500 profit should he emerge victorious.

Probabilities According to Odds

The odds presented tell a story of probabilities. Curtis Blaydes has a calculated probability of winning in the estimated region above 75%, which underscores just why oddsmakers favor him. Meanwhile, Rizvan Kuniev’s underdog status with odds like +250 gives him roughly a 29% chance. These numbers reveal market sentiment and forecasts as analyzed by sportsbooks’ experts, driving insights for bettors as they make informed decisions.

For those embroiled in the dance of odds and probabilities, choosing the right sportsbook is as strategic as picking the fighter to back. FanDuel seems to offer a more conservative play, whereas BetOnline could cater to those hunting for variance or simply wanting slightly better odds on favorite Blaydes, or a more lucrative payout on Kuniev. As fight night approaches, staying updated with these fluctuations across platforms is crucial for making that winning bet, especially as last-minute movements could influence the calculus.