Overview
- Kuniev defeated Almeida by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in a clinch-heavy fight that drew boos and multiple referee resets.
- Almeida’s managers confirmed he has informed the UFC of his plan to return to light heavyweight after consecutive decision losses.
- The upset is expected to push Kuniev into the heavyweight rankings and further drop Almeida from his previous top-six position.
- Almeida went 0-for-8 on takedown attempts and was outlanded in significant strikes, reinforcing critiques of his recent inactivity in exchanges.
- Kuniev graded his performance a ‘C’ and mentioned Waldo Cortes-Acosta or a Curtis Blaydes rematch as potential next opponents, as fan backlash targeted both fighters.