Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Has Been Rescheduled Again For June 21st

In a twist that has fight fans scratching their heads, the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev has once again been rescheduled. This time, the bout is set to take place on June 21st in Azerbaijan, marking yet another chapter in what has become one of the most elusive matchups in recent UFC history.

Curtis Blaydes says his fight against Rizvan Kuniev moved to June 21st in Azerbaijan. (per @Bert_MMA) https://t.co/miIf7R4xXG pic.twitter.com/z0ysGSOsSn

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 25, 2025

The Neverending Fight Camp

What started as a simple heavyweight contest has morphed into a saga spanning multiple continents and several months. Initially slated for February 22nd in Seattle, the bout was first moved to UFC 313 on March 8th in Las Vegas. However, fate had other plans when Blaydes fell ill on fight day, forcing another cancellation.

Now, according to Blaydes himself (as reported by @Bert_MMA), the fight has found a new home in Azerbaijan on June 21st. This latest development adds another layer of intrigue to a matchup that seems determined to keep fans on their toes.

From Seattle to Sin City to the Land of Fire

The journey of this fight reads like a travelogue. From the rainy Pacific Northwest to the neon lights of Las Vegas, and now to the shores of the Caspian Sea, Blaydes and Kuniev have been on a virtual world tour without ever stepping into the octagon together.

Azerbaijan, known as the “Land of Fire,” seems an fitting location for a bout that has been repeatedly rekindled. The country has been making strides to establish itself in the world of combat sports, and hosting a UFC event with a high-profile heavyweight clash could be a significant milestone.

Despite the numerous setbacks and reschedulings, the importance of this fight for both competitors cannot be overstated. For Blaydes, currently ranked fifth in the heavyweight division, this bout represents a chance to bounce back from his loss to Tom Aspinall and reassert himself as a top contender.

Kuniev, on the other hand, is still waiting to make his UFC debut after an impressive showing on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2024. A win over a seasoned veteran like Blaydes would instantly catapult him into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.

The Challenges of a Globe-Trotting Fight Camp

The constant rescheduling presents unique challenges for both fighters. Maintaining peak physical condition and mental focus over such an extended period is no small feat. Blaydes, in particular, has had to adapt his training regimen multiple times, from preparing for a February bout to now looking at a mid-summer showdown.

For Kuniev, the delays may have provided additional time to acclimate to the pressures of the UFC, but they’ve also prolonged his wait to make a splash on the big stage. The Dagestani fighter will be eager to prove that he belongs among the elite, regardless of the venue or date.

As we count down to June 21st, all eyes will be on Azerbaijan, where Blaydes and Kuniev will finally have the opportunity to settle their business in the cage. After months of anticipation and multiple false starts, this clash of heavyweight titans promises to be worth the wait.