Rizvan Kuniev outlines plans to face heavyweight bigwigs ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi fight against Tyrell Fortune
Rizvan Kuniev has his sights set on the top-tier combatants in the UFC's fearsome heavyweight division, as he looks to make a statement at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Rizvan Kuniev has affirmed his intentions to ascend to the upper echelons of the UFC heavyweight division sooner rather than later.
The Russian combatant is set to make his much-awaited return to the octagon this week. Kuniev will take on Tyrell Fortune in a three-round 265-pound matchup at UFC Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 25.
Rizvan Kuniev highlights his plans to fight heavyweight divisional elite; eyes dominant win over Tyrell Fortune at UFC Abu Dhabi
Rizvan Kuniev has consistently maintained that he believes his ascent to the top of the UFC heavyweight ranks is inevitable, time and again reiterating his views that he possesses the skill and toughness to rule the division of giants.
The Dagestan-born athlete currently stands at the No. 7 spot in the official Meta UFC rankings. Meanwhile, Waldo Cortes-Acosta holds the No. 6 position, the unbeaten Josh Hokit is at No. 5, former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira is at No. 4, and Sergei Pavlovich boasts the No. 3 rank.
Moreover, Alexander Volkov is at No. 2, while interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is No. 1 in the list of contenders at heavyweight. Also, reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is expected to face interim champ Gane in a title unifier later this year.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA ahead of his upcoming fight, Kuniev alluded that he'd love to fight some of the heavyweights ranked above him. Eyeing a statement victory at UFC Abu Dhabi, Kuniev stated:
"I think if I win now, I will go up one or two spots. Then I will be asking for a fight with him (Josh Hokit) or whoever is up there. Anyone -- top three, top five, top two. I never turned down fights. No matter who the UFC offered me, I always accepted. And I believe it's a great opportunity for me."
He added, "Of course, preferably, fighters like Hokit -- who else is there? The guy who's fighting Curtis (Blaydes) ... (Waldo Cortes-Acosta) Acosta. I can fight him. (Sergei) Pavlovich. Right, Pavlovich, (Alex) Pereira. Whoever they give me, I'm ready to fight anyone."
Watch Rizvan Kuniev discuss his plans below:
Rizvan Kuniev believes a win at UFC Abu Dhabi could earn him a matchup with Josh Hokit or another top-ranked heavyweight contender, saying he’s ready for whoever the UFC puts in front of him.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 21, 2026
“If I win now, I’ll move up one or two spots. Then I’ll be asking for a fight with… pic.twitter.com/z13BLksw9K
Rizvan Kuniev is no stranger to fighting elite opposition in the UFC
Rizvan Kuniev has, over the years, made a name for himself with what many fans deem to be an incredibly well-rounded MMA skill set. The towering fighter captivated fight fans with a TKO victory against Hugo Cunha in the UFC-affiliated DWCS (Dana White's Contender Series) in 2024.
His UFC main roster debut followed, as he took on perennial heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes last year, losing via split decision. Kuniev is, as such, no stranger to taking on elite opposition in the UFC.
Furthermore, Kuniev bounced back in his next, and most recent, octagon appearance by defeating Jailton Almeida via unanimous decision earlier this year.
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