Published 79 days ago
Kuniev secures win in Abu Dhabi despite a tense fight
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Rizvan Kuniev earns a fight bonus at UFC Abu Dhabi but criticizes his performance despite his win over Tyrell Fortune.
To remember:
- Rizvan Kuniev earns a fight bonus at UFC Abu Dhabi.
- His win over Tyrell Fortune is deemed unsatisfactory despite the success.
- A tense fight that leaves regrets for Kuniev.
Unbelievable but true: Rizvan Kuniev leaves Abu Dhabi with a fight bonus, but the smile is nowhere to be found. On March 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night, the Ukrainian dominated Tyrell Fortune by unanimous decision, yet the fight left a mixed impression.
For Kuniev, this victory is far from perfect. "I’m not satisfied," he declared after the bout. Despite three intense rounds and clear dominance, he feels he lacked fluidity and precision.
Still, the judges and the crowd acknowledged his effort. The fight bonus awarded that night rewards not only his victory but also the physical and technical commitment he demonstrated against a tough opponent.
Tyrell Fortune, despite the loss, showed strong resistance, forcing Kuniev to adapt constantly. A real test for the Ukrainian, who will need to refine his game for future challenges.
A back-and-forth fight, but a win that counts
From the very first seconds, Kuniev set the pace, using his boxing to keep Fortune at bay. Yet, between strike combinations and submission attempts, the Ukrainian sometimes seemed to struggle with managing his energy.
Rounds 2 and 3 were the closest, with Fortune landing a few effective counters. Kuniev had to dig deep to maintain pressure, which partly explains his post-fight dissatisfaction.
Nevertheless, the judges’ scorecards were clear: 30-27, 30-27, 30-27. Undeniable dominance, but one that doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the fight in Kuniev’s own eyes.