The previously reported match between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune will not take place in Baku, as the original source provided incorrect information. According to Vestnik MMA, the Russian fighter will compete in his next bout in July instead. The exact opponent and event details for the July matchup have not been disclosed. This represents a delay from the initially announced Baku event.
Rizvan Kuniev's planned bout against Tyrell Fortune in Baku has been called off after the original source behind the matchup report provided incorrect information, with the Russian heavyweight now targeting a return to competition in July instead.
Kuniev, 34, enters his next outing with a record of 13-3-1 and sits at number 15 in the heavyweight division. Fighting out of Gorets Fight Club, the six-foot-four Russian carries a 76-inch reach and has shown consistent offensive output, landing 3.94 significant strikes per minute at a 54 percent striking accuracy rate. He also averages just under one takedown per 15 minutes, rounding out a well-balanced skill set.
Fortune, 35, holds an 18-3-0 record and brings his own physicality to the table at six feet tall with a 75-inch reach. He averages three takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a persistent threat on the ground, and lands two significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Kuniev's position at number 15 in the heavyweight rankings means a high-profile win could push him further into contention.
- The cancellation of the Baku booking leaves the July opponent and event undisclosed, adding uncertainty to his divisional momentum.
- A potential matchup between two orthodox heavyweights with contrasting styles — Kuniev's striking volume versus Fortune's grappling-heavy approach — remains an intriguing possibility if that pairing is revisited.
According to Vestnik MMA, no replacement opponent or event has been confirmed for Kuniev's July appearance.
