Curtis Blaydes Shows Indifference to Josh Hockitt Antics at UFC 327 Face-Off

Curtis Blaydes made clear on Friday that he had no interest in playing along with Josh Hockitt's fight-week theatrics, standing stone-faced through their UFC 327 ceremonial weigh-in face-off just one day before their heavyweight clash.

Blaydes, who had already telegraphed his approach at Wednesday's media day, told reporters he would not participate in Hockitt's self-promotion efforts — and he delivered on that promise at the staredown. While Hockitt leaned into the spectacle with a series of attention-seeking antics throughout the week, the veteran heavyweight simply refused to engage, letting the contrast speak for itself.

Ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, Blaydes carries a 19-6-0 record into Saturday's bout and brings some of the most dangerous wrestling in the weight class. The 35-year-old from the United States, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that has defined his career and made him one of the most persistent threats on the ground in the top ten. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he also lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, giving him a credible threat on the feet as well.

Hockitt's record and ranking data were not available in the verified database ahead of this report.

Why it matters

• Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a dominant performance could position him closer to a title shot
• Hockitt's promotional energy going into fight week sets up a contrasting styles story beyond just the physical matchup
• Blaydes' elite takedown volume could neutralize whatever momentum Hockitt's showmanship generates inside the cage