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Rizvan Kuniev blasts rankings for Alex Pereira’s ‘very strange’ spot, wants him next after Alexander Volkov at UFC 333

UFC heavyweight Rizvan Kuniev has a clear path in his head for his next moves in the promotion: Beat Alexander Volkov at UFC 333 and then face off with Alex Pereira. Kuniev enters the cage this Saturday in Abu Dhabi…

By Guilherme Cruz · MMA Fighting

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Rizvan Kuniev criticized Alex Pereira's number-three heavyweight ranking and called to fight him after UFC 333.
Kuniev claimed Pereira's high ranking makes little sense given an 0-1 record in the division.
Kuniev stated he prefers to fight Pereira rather than countryman Sergei Pavlovich following his matchup with Alexander Volkov.

The Story in 60 Seconds

UFC heavyweight Rizvan Kuniev targeted Alex Pereira as a desired opponent after his upcoming fight with Alexander Volkov at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Kuniev questioned Pereira's high heavyweight ranking, arguing that placing the Brazilian at number three despite having only one loss in the division is strange and unwarranted.

Kuniev expressed a preference to fight Pereira rather than countryman Sergei Pavlovich to avoid facing a fellow Russian fighter. He also traded verbal barbs with Volkov ahead of their match, dismissing Volkov's comments regarding Kuniev's past 2023 doping suspension as fear.

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