Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit faced off before their UFC 327 bout, with Blaydes showing complete indifference to Hockit's behavior. Blaydes previously stated on media day Wednesday that he would not participate in promotional theatrics or help Hockit gain attention. He kept his word and remained stoic during the face-off. The post includes a poll asking fans to predict the winner of the matchup.
Curtis Blaydes made clear at the UFC 327 face-off that he had no interest in playing along with Josh Hockit's pre-fight theatrics, standing stone-faced as the two heavyweights squared off ahead of their bout scheduled for April 11.
Blaydes had telegraphed the moment a day earlier during media day on Wednesday, stating plainly that he would not engage in any promotional pageantry or lend Hockit the spotlight that comes with a heated staredown. When the moment arrived, the 35-year-old American was true to his word, offering nothing but a blank, unbothered expression.
Ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, Blaydes carries a 19-6-0 record and remains one of the most physically imposing and technically complete fighters in the weight class. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, the Elevation Fight Team product and orthodox striker blends real punching volume with elite wrestling. He averages 3.56 significant strikes landed per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, and his takedown rate of 5.38 per 15 minutes ranks among the best in the division.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a strong performance could push him closer to title contention.
- His refusal to engage theatrically may reflect a focused, businesslike mindset heading into the fight.
- The stylistic contrast between Blaydes's disciplined grappling-heavy approach and Hockit's apparent willingness to lean into the spectacle sets up an intriguing dynamic inside the cage.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
