Way back in 2021, Rizvan Kuniev won on Dana White’s Contender Series; however, he didn’t get a contract.
Following that, Kuniev moved over to the PFL, but his win over former champ Renan Ferreira was overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance. In 2024, though, Rizvan Kuniev returned to the Contender Series, secured a win, and finally earned a contract.
Now, Rizvan Kuniev is set to face off against Curtis Blaydes in a heavyweight bout.
During a press event, Kuniev was asked about Jon Jones—and he didn’t hold back. Kuniev called him out and told him to give up the belt.
#UFCBaku heavyweight Rizvan Kuniev hasn’t even made his UFC debut and is already fed up with Jon Jones. 😬
“It’s time for Jon Jones to give up the belt. Relinquish the belt.” pic.twitter.com/82romvh7BZ
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 18, 2025
What’s even more remarkable is that nobody cared.
It’s not normal for the new guy in the division to talk about the champ like this, and it would usually draw the ire of the veterans in the weight class.
Nope.
The new guy—who hasn’t even won a fight in the UFC yet—talks smack about Jon Jones, and nobody cares.
That’s crazy.
This shows just how fed up people are with Jon Jones.
Rizvan Kuniev To Fight Curtis Blaydes
Kuniev is set to make his debut this weekend at the Baku Crystal Hall as the UFC heads to Azerbaijan for the first time ever. Blaydes is a huge favorite, along with Kuniev, a +210 underdog.
Curtis Blaydes also said that he thinks the UFC should strip Jon Jones of the belt.
Curtis Blaydes is behind the movement to #StripJonJones
“It’s not that hard. You’ve done it a bunch of times before. You strip him, and if that pisses him off, maybe that’ll get him to fight.” pic.twitter.com/Qe0EuJg3Ap
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 18, 2025
