Rizvan Kuniev

Picked on the reasoning that a grinding, cage-pushing decision favors him specifically.

Decent striking, with a front kick and a knee-based entry the analyst likes, though closing distance other times means swinging big and wild, which works sometimes but isn't ideal. Solid grappler with good takedown defense, a good cage push that grinds opponents against the fence, and a body lock he sticks to persistently whether pulling an opponent down or just controlling on the feet; good top control once he lands mount or the crucifix.

The analyst sees a viable path for Kuniev through relentless cage pressure but ultimately gives the overall grappling edge to Almeida.

Kuniev is the better pure striker of the two, though that's a low bar against an opponent who barely engages standing -- he has a useful front kick and closes distance well behind knees, if he can resist the urge to swing wide and reckless. His clearest route to winning is grinding: pressing Almeida into the cage, working for underhooks and a body lock, and wearing him down from top position, since a cleaner path through his more accomplished opponent's ground game looks unlikely.