Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hocket completed their faceoff before their UFC 327 bout, with Blaydes showing complete indifference to Hocket's behavior. Blaydes stated at Wednesday's media day that he would not participate in promotional theatrics or help Hocket gain attention, and he kept his word during the staredown. The heavyweight maintains a no-nonsense approach despite his opponent's attempts at engagement. Their fight is scheduled for UFC 327 in Miami this weekend.
Curtis Blaydes lived up to his word at the UFC 327 faceoff on Thursday, standing stone-faced as opponent Josh Hocket attempted to draw a reaction during their pre-fight staredown ahead of this weekend's heavyweight bout in Miami.
Blaydes had made his intentions clear at Wednesday's media day, stating he had no interest in participating in promotional theatrics or lending Hocket any extra attention. When the moment arrived, the fourth-ranked heavyweight delivered exactly the composed, dismissive performance he promised, leaving Hocket's animated behavior to land in silence.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," carries a 19-6-0 record into UFC 327 and has established himself as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world at 35 years old. The Colorado-based fighter out of Elevation Fight Team stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach and brings a well-rounded but distinctly grappling-heavy game to the cage. He averages an imposing 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that has defined his divisional identity, while also landing 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, making any result here a meaningful shift in the title picture
- His elite takedown volume gives him a clear path to controlling Hocket if the fight hits the canvas
- Hocket's attempt to get under Blaydes' skin before the bout suggests he may prefer an emotional, stand-and-trade environment — precisely what Blaydes appeared determined to deny him
Saturday, April 11, 2026
