Josh Hockit made crude and offensive comments about Curtis Blaydes, including an inappropriate joke about Blaydes' parents and appearance. The remarks represent escalating pre-fight trash talk between the two heavyweight fighters. According to related posts, Hockit has been engaging in bizarre behavior including confronting fighters in lobbies and delivering strange monologues. The unusual promotional tactics have reportedly generated more fan interest in Blaydes than he typically receives. Hockit also targeted other UFC fighters including Ian Garry, Derrick Lewis, and Song Yadong with similar inflammatory comments. The two heavyweights are scheduled to face each other at UFC 327.
Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit are set to meet at UFC 327 on April 11, and the build-up has taken a sharp turn into personal territory after Hockit directed a series of crude, offensive remarks toward Blaydes — including an inappropriate joke targeting Blaydes' parents and appearance.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," enters the fight as the number-four-ranked heavyweight in the UFC. The 35-year-old American trains out of Elevation Fight Team and carries a 19-6-0 professional record. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the more physically imposing figures in the division. His wrestling-heavy style is well documented — he averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes — and he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, making him a well-rounded threat despite a reputation built largely on grappling.
Hockit, meanwhile, has drawn attention in the lead-up with a string of unconventional promotional moves. Beyond the comments aimed at Blaydes, reports indicate he has confronted fighters in hotel lobbies and delivered rambling, unusual monologues. He has also taken aim at other UFC figures, including Ian Garry, Derrick Lewis, and Song Yadong, in what appears to be a deliberate campaign of inflammatory behavior. Interestingly, the approach seems to be generating a measurable uptick in fan interest around Blaydes, who does not typically attract outsized attention heading into bouts.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a loss carries significant divisional consequences
- Hockit's antics have raised the profile of the fight and put unusual pre-fight pressure on Blaydes
- The stylistic contrast — Blaydes' elite wrestling against whatever Hockit brings — sets up an intriguing matchup at the top of the heavyweight picture
- The personal nature of the trash talk could affect the tone inside the cage on fight night
Saturday, April 11, 2026
