Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev Rebooked for UFC Qatar

The UFC heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev has been rebooked for the third time, now set to take place on May 17 at UFC Qatar. After two previous cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, fans are eager to see these two heavyweights finally collide in what promises to be a pivotal bout for both fighters. The matchup is part of the UFC’s continued expansion into the Middle East, with the event in Qatar marking another milestone for the promotion.

Curtis Blaydes will fight Rizvan Kuniev at #UFCQatar on May 17th. (first rep. @VestnikMMA) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/nhIpMvlN2G

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) March 11, 2025

A Long-Awaited Heavyweight Showdown

Blaydes vs. Kuniev has been a fight long in the making. Originally scheduled for UFC 295 in November 2024, the bout was postponed after Kuniev suffered an injury during training camp. The fight was then rescheduled for UFC 313, only to be canceled again when Blaydes encountered his own health issues. Now, with both fighters reportedly healthy and ready to compete, the stage is set for this long-awaited showdown in Doha, Qatar.

‼️ Curtis Blaydes revealed he contracted the norovirus that ultimately had him withdraw from UFC 313

“Last night I got sick with norovirus. Worked through the night to try and recover but my body wouldn’t cooperate.

Fight going to be booked for a later date.” pic.twitter.com/hRSzqkuETc

— Garrett Kerman (@FightAnalystLLC) March 8, 2025

For Curtis Blaydes, this fight represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top contender in the heavyweight division. The 34-year-old veteran has faced some of the division’s elite over his career, including Francis Ngannou and Sergei Pavlovich. However, Blaydes is coming off a tough loss to Tom Aspinall in July 2024, which derailed his title aspirations. A win over Kuniev would not only get him back on track but also reaffirm his status as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the division.

On the other side of the Octagon stands Rizvan Kuniev, a rising star looking to make a statement against a seasoned opponent. The Russian heavyweight earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series and has since built momentum with a series of impressive performances. Known for his grappling prowess and relentless pressure, Kuniev presents a unique challenge for Blaydes, who is accustomed to being the dominant wrestler in most of his fights. A victory over Blaydes would catapult Kuniev into the upper echelon of the heavyweight rankings and solidify his reputation as a legitimate contender.

What’s at Stake?

This fight carries significant implications for both men’s careers and the heavyweight division as a whole. For Blaydes, it’s about proving that he still belongs among the elite after years of competing at the highest level. A loss could push him further down the rankings and raise questions about his ability to contend for a title at this stage of his career.

For Kuniev, this is a chance to break through into mainstream recognition by defeating a well-established name in Blaydes. While he has shown promise in his UFC tenure so far, he has yet to face someone of Blaydes’ caliber. A win would not only boost his ranking but also position him as one of the division’s most exciting new contenders—a fighter capable of challenging for gold in the near future.

Stylistically, this matchup is intriguing because both men excel in grappling but bring different approaches to their ground game. Blaydes is known for his powerful takedowns and ground-and-pound, while Kuniev relies on technical submissions and positional control. Fans can expect an intense battle for dominance in the clinch and on the mat, with each fighter looking to impose their will on the other.

The backdrop of UFC Qatar adds another layer of excitement to this fight. The event underscores the UFC’s commitment to growing its presence in the Middle East, following successful cards in Abu Dhabi over recent years. Hosting this pivotal heavyweight clash in Doha not only highlights Qatar’s emergence as a key player in global sports but also provides an electric atmosphere for what could be one of 2025’s most memorable fights.

In conclusion, Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev is more than just another heavyweight bout—it’s a crossroads moment for both fighters and an essential chapter in their respective careers. With stakes this high and skills so evenly matched, fans won’t want to miss what promises to be an explosive encounter on May 17 at UFC Qatar.