Curtis Blaydes and Josh Tuivasa faced off before their UFC 327 bout, with Blaydes showing complete indifference to Tuivasa's behavior. Blaydes had previously stated at Wednesday's media day that he would not participate in promotional theatrics or help Tuivasa gain attention. He kept his word during the staredown, maintaining his composure throughout. The heavyweight clash is part of the UFC 327 card in Miami.
Curtis Blaydes made it clear at the UFC 327 face-off on Thursday that he had no interest in playing along with Josh Tuivasa's pre-fight theatrics, holding his composure entirely during the staredown ahead of their heavyweight clash scheduled for Saturday in Miami.
Blaydes had telegraphed his approach a day earlier at Wednesday's media day, stating plainly that he would not engage in promotional gamesmanship or offer Tuivasa any opportunity to generate attention at his expense. When the moment arrived, the 35-year-old American delivered on that promise, standing stone-faced and unmoved regardless of whatever Tuivasa brought to the stage.
Ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, Blaydes carries a 19-6-0 record into Saturday's bout and represents one of the more well-rounded threats the weight class has to offer. The six-foot-four Elevation Fight Team product owns an 80-inch reach and has built his reputation largely on a relentless wrestling attack, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career. He also contributes on the feet, landing 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy — numbers that make him dangerous whether the fight stays standing or hits the mat.
Why it matters
- A win keeps Blaydes firmly in title contention at heavyweight, where a top-four ranking demands consistent results.
- Blaydes' elite takedown volume could prove decisive as a stylistic counter to Tuivasa's come-forward striking approach.
- The face-off dynamic signals Blaydes intends to control the mental framing of the fight, not just the physical one inside the cage.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
