Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit faced off before their fight at UFC 327, with Blaydes appearing completely indifferent to Hockit's behavior. According to the post, Blaydes stated at media day on Wednesday that he would not participate in promotional antics or help Hockit gain attention, and he kept his word during the staredown. The post notes that Blaydes showed no reaction to whatever Hockit was doing during their encounter. A poll asks readers to predict who will win the matchup. The post suggests Blaydes is deliberately avoiding engaging with his opponent's attempts to generate hype or provoke a reaction.
Curtis Blaydes made clear at the UFC 327 faceoff on Thursday that he had no interest in playing along with Josh Hockit's pre-fight theatrics, standing stone-faced and disengaged as the two heavyweights squared off ahead of their bout scheduled for April 11.
Blaydes had telegraphed exactly that approach during media day on Wednesday, stating plainly that he would not take part in promotional stunts or do anything to help his opponent generate attention. When the moment arrived, he was true to his word, showing zero reaction to whatever Hockit was doing across from him during the staredown.
The 35-year-old American, fighting out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a 19-6-0 record into the contest and sits at number four in the heavyweight divisional rankings. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, Blaydes is one of the most physically imposing and well-rounded fighters in the division. He averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, one of the highest rates among active heavyweights, and lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy — a combination that makes him dangerous in every phase of the fight.
Why it matters
- A win keeps Blaydes firmly in the heavyweight title conversation as a top-four-ranked contender
- His elite takedown volume sets up a potential grappling-heavy gameplan against Hockit
- Blaydes's deliberate refusal to engage mentally before the fight reflects a seasoned veteran controlling the pre-fight narrative on his own terms
Saturday, April 11, 2026
