We’ve got a heavyweight clash on deck for Saturday night, as Rizvan Kuniev takes on Tyrell Fortune at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov in Abu Dhabi.
Kuniev (13–3–1, 1–1 UFC) recently notched his first Octagon win, taking a one-sided decision in his February showdown with Jailton Almeida. Fortune (18–3, 1–0 UFC) is coming off a successful UFC debut in March, picking up a unanimous decision win over Marcin Tybura.
Kuniev enters as a heavy -340 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Fortune is a +270 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Kuniev vs. Fortune Preview
Rizvan Kuniev (#8)
- 13–3–1 (1–1 UFC)
- 6–0 (T)KO
- 2–0 SUB
Rizvan Kuniev has been thrown to the sharks since his UFC arrival in June 2025. And yet, he’s swimming just fine. The Russian heavyweight took former title challenger Curtis Blaydes to a “Razor” close split-decision in his Octagon debut — his only loss since 2017 — before rebounding with a unanimous-decision victory over Jailton Almeida earlier this year.
Both times, Kuniev, 34, flashed his well-rounded skillset headlined by crisp boxing, a solid gas tank, and impenetrable defensive grappling. He enters Saturday with a 93 percent takedown defense, stuffing 27 of 29 entries over four appearances across the UFC and Dana White’s Contender Series. In a wide-open heavyweight landscape, Kuniev will be looking to put it all on display once again to show why his name belongs in the title conversation.
Tyrell Fortune (#9)
- 18–3 (1–0 UFC)
- 10–1 (T)KO
- 2–1 SUB
Longtime Bellator veteran Tyrell Fortune has hit the ground running in the UFC. The highly-decorated American wrestler scored a unanimous-decision win over Marcin Tybura in his March debut, suffocating the division linchpin with his dominant ground game.
While known primarily for his formidable takedown offense, Fortune is also an explosive striker with serious one-shot power, albeit not a very aggressive one. After getting outmatched on the feet against Tybura — outstruck 85 to 49 (47 to 30 sig. str.) — he’ll be eager to show a more complete version of himself in his follow-up fight.
Kuniev vs. Fortune Pick, Best Bet
Fortune’s greatest strengths — his elite wrestling and wrecking-ball power — should be neutralized on Saturday night.
Kuniev enters this bout with ironclad takedown defense, an expeditious pace, and sharp boxing skills — tools he’s already put on display against some of the tougher heavyweights on the active roster. He should effectively manage distance to keep the fight standing and pad his striking stats in the process.
A stoppage seems unlikely, given his UFC track record and Fortune’s proven durability. Still, Kuniev’s got the tools to leave Abu Dhabi with his second-straight victory.
Best Bet: Rizvan Kuniev by Decision (+130)
