Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit faced off before their UFC 327 bout, with Blaydes showing complete indifference to Hockit's behavior. During Wednesday's media day, Blaydes stated he would not participate in promotional antics or help Hockit gain publicity. He kept his word at the faceoff by remaining unbothered by his opponent's attempts at engagement. The post asks fans to predict the winner of the matchup. Blaydes' calm demeanor contrasted with Hockit's more energetic approach to fight promotion.
Curtis Blaydes made it clear at the UFC 327 faceoff on Thursday that he has no interest in playing along with Josh Hockit's promotional games, keeping his composure as the two heavyweights squared off ahead of their fight Saturday night.
Blaydes had telegraphed his approach a day earlier during Wednesday's media day, saying he would not be participating in any promotional theatrics or helping his opponent generate publicity. True to his word, the 35-year-old American stood stone-faced at the faceoff while Hockit made attempts to draw a reaction, the contrast between the two men impossible to miss.
Ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, Blaydes carries a 19-6-0 record into the bout and represents one of the more well-rounded threats in the 265-pound weight class. Fighting out of Elevation Fight Team, the six-foot-four Coloradan brings an 80-inch reach and a suffocating wrestling-based game plan to most opponents. He averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that sits among the highest in the division, and pairs it with a striking output of 3.56 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- A win keeps Blaydes firmly in the heavyweight title picture at number four in the rankings
- Blaydes' elite takedown volume could neutralize Hockit's more aggressive, energetic style
- The faceoff dynamic suggests Hockit may be looking to get inside Blaydes' head, a tactic Blaydes appears fully prepared to dismiss
Saturday, April 11, 2026
