The UFC heavyweight division underwent a significant change after Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira in his 265-pound debut at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
Just eight days later, the promotion replaced its traditional media voting panel with “Meta UFC Rankings,” an automated algorithm built entirely on fight data. This new system sets the stage for a high-stakes heavyweight matchup at UFC 333 on Saturday between No. 4-ranked Alexander Volkov and No. 5-ranked Rizvan Kuniev.
However, Kuniev does not like the new AI algorithm. His frustration centers on Pereira, who sits at No. 3 despite his debut loss.
Rizvan Kuniev Questions Alex Pereira’s No. 3 Ranking
Kuniev took a shot at Pereira’s spot in the Meta rankings ahead of UFC 333. Despite holding a 0-1 record in the heavyweight division, the Brazilian fighter sits at No. 3, which the Russian contender took major issue with.
He told MMA Fighting the ranking is built strictly from Pereira’s past records and titles, not his actual work at 265 pounds. He wants the UFC to hold off on placing him in the top five until he wins more fights in the weight class.
“I think it’s AI that does those rankings because it doesn’t really make much sense,” Kuniev said. “I think the reason why he’s No. 3 is because they’re looking at all his accolades being a champion in two weight classes before this one. But to go on No. 3 in heavyweight after one loss, I think that’s very strange because at least give him a couple more fights.”
Rizvan Kuniev is very confused about how Alex Pereira’s is already placed so high in the #UFC heavyweight rankings
📰 https://t.co/ZAmworEWv8 https://t.co/KSWWCUCYL3
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 23, 2026
The Meta model ranks fighters moving up in weight by transferring points from their old division. It also calculates opponent quality, how a fighter wins, and how often they compete.
ALSO READ: Alex Pereira Had a Callout Ready for Sergei Pavlovich Until Ciryl Gane Intervened
This specific rule is the primary reason behind Kuniev’s frustration, because Pereira’s light heavyweight success is keeping him ranked high at heavyweight. While Pereira’s runs at middleweight and light heavyweight are impressive, Kuniev believes past data shouldn’t let him leapfrog heavyweights who are already established.
Rizvan Kuniev Faces Alexander Volkov to Boost His Own Ranking
Kuniev, 34, is 14-3-1 overall and 2-1 in the UFC. He beat Jailton Almeida by unanimous decision in February. He then stopped Tyrell Fortune with knees in Round 3 on July 25 and earned a Fight of the Night bonus. His lone promotional setback came via a split decision against Curtis Blaydes in June 2025.
Because the Meta model rewards victories over higher-ranked opponents, Volkov offers Kuniev a clear path to jump up the ladder. A win gives him the biggest result of his UFC career and provides solid ground to argue his case.
And Pereira will face Sergei Pavlovich in December. Both matchups are set to shake up the heavyweight standings.
