Kuniev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Rizvan Kuniev achieved another great result in the organization, knocking out Tyrell Fortune in a heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) bout at UFC Abu Dhabi , held this Saturday afternoon (25), at the Etihad Arena. After winning against Jailton Malhadinho , the Russian confirmed his favoritism against the American and secured his second consecutive victory in the organization.
VIDEO: Russian Giant Dominates and Knocks Out Fighter at UFC Abu Dhabi
Kuniev with a huge knee
He gets the TKO finish in the 3rd round‼️ pic.twitter.com/5ZuRMhfKXB
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 25, 2026
In the first round, Rizvan Kuniev He started by pressing and trying to corner his opponent. Fortune responded with cross punches in an attempt to surprise the Russian, who then used the clinch to control the distance and connect with good attacks. In the final stretch of the round, Kuniev landed a spinning kick to the body that stunned his rival. Sensing the moment, he went on the offensive and followed up with a sequence of punches, ending the round with a clear advantage in the striking exchanges.
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In the second round, the 'Russian Giant' maintained the pressure from the first seconds, alternating good striking combinations with clinch work. Superior in the actions, Kuniev hurt Fortune and continued to dictate the pace of the fight, keeping his opponent cornered against the cage for a good part of the round. With complete control of the fight, the Russian dominated the round from start to finish.
In the final round, Rizvan Kuniev once again imposed his clinch game, punishing Tyrell Fortune with knees to the body. Maintaining the pressure, the Russian landed the decisive blow with a knee strike squarely to his opponent's face, knocking him out and ending the fight decisively.
At 34 years old, the Russian secured his second consecutive victory and reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous and experienced heavyweights of the new generation in the division.
Kuniev defeated Malhadinho.
Kuniev defeated Malhadinho in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Rizvan Kuniev achieved the biggest victory of his career by defeating Jailton Malhadinho via unanimous decision, in a solid performance against an opponent who accepted the fight at the last minute. The Russian neutralized the Brazilian's strong takedown game, controlled the pace of the fight, and held the advantage in the striking exchanges throughout the three rounds. With the triumph, the 'Russian Giant' secured his first UFC victory and gained momentum in the heavyweight division.
Rookie wins
In the welterweight bout (up to 77,1 kg), the winner was the debutant Abubakar Vagaev , a friend of Khamzat Chimaev . However, the duel was anything but pleasant. The athlete used wrestling to control Saygid Izagakhmaev , a training partner of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov , who only posed a threat in the third and final round.
UFC Abu Dhabi results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by knockout (punches) 2m39s R5
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Ramazan Temirov defeated Steve Erceg by knockout (punches) at 4:21 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman – fight cancelled
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Rizvan Kuniev defeated Tyrell Fortune by technical knockout (knees) at 1:12 of round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Abubakar Vagaev defeated Saygid Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen by submission (calf lock) at 1:32 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby by technical knockout (punches) at 4:48 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio by knockout (punch) at 3:06 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:44 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Abdul Hussein defeated Cody Gibson by submission (katagatame) at 3:07 of round 3.
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