Rizvan Kuniev revealed that when he arrived at American Top Team in June 2024, he weighed 145 kilograms and had to shed 25 kg in roughly two and a half months to compete in the Contender Series. Kuniev explained that a combination of personal problems, poor sleep, and months away from training had caused him to fall badly out of shape. He noted that UFC had flown him to São Paulo, Brazil for a one-day photo shoot during that period, capturing footage of him in noticeably poor physical condition.
Rizvan Kuniev has opened up about the dramatic physical transformation he underwent ahead of his Dana White's Contender Series appearance, revealing he tipped the scales at 145 kilograms when he arrived at American Top Team in June 2024 and had to cut 25 kilograms in roughly two and a half months to compete.
The Russian heavyweight attributed the weight gain to a difficult stretch in his personal life, describing how personal problems, poor sleep, and an extended absence from training had left him badly out of shape. Adding to the unusual circumstances, he disclosed that the UFC had flown him to São Paulo, Brazil for a one-day photo shoot during that period, capturing footage of him in noticeably poor physical condition.
Kuniev, now 34 years old, carries a professional record of 14 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, and is currently ranked 15th in the heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with a 76-inch reach, he is a sizable presence in the 265-pound class. Fighting out of an orthodox stance, he has shown a well-rounded offensive game, landing 3.94 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 54 percent, with nearly one takedown attempt per 15 minutes of cage time.
Why it matters
- The story adds rare transparency around how significant weight and conditioning fluctuations can occur even at the elite level of the sport.
- Kuniev's ability to shed 25 kilograms in under three months while preparing for a high-stakes Contender Series bout speaks to the physical demands placed on fighters outside of camp.
- His current standing at No. 15 in the heavyweight rankings means any questions about his physical condition and preparation carry real divisional implications.
