Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit faced off ahead of their UFC 327 bout, with Blaydes showing complete indifference to Hockit's behavior. Blaydes stated during Wednesday's media day that he would not participate in promotional antics or help Hockit gain attention. He kept his word during the face-off, remaining composed and unaffected. The post notes Blaydes' calm demeanor throughout the promotional activities. Fans are asked to predict who will win the upcoming heavyweight matchup.
Curtis Blaydes made it clear at the UFC 327 face-off on Thursday that he had no interest in playing into his opponent's theatrics, standing composed and stone-faced as Josh Hockit attempted to generate a reaction ahead of their heavyweight clash scheduled for April 11.
Blaydes, who carries a 19-6-0 record and sits ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, addressed the dynamic directly during Wednesday's media day. The 35-year-old American said outright that he would not be participating in promotional games or doing Hockit any favors by helping him attract attention. He then backed that up at the face-off, showing complete indifference to whatever Hockit brought to the stage.
Fighting out of Elevation Fight Team, Blaydes is one of the most well-rounded heavyweights on the roster. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, the orthodox striker lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. His wrestling is arguably his most dangerous weapon, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes — a rate that ranks among the best in the division.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a strong performance keeps him in title contention
- His refusal to engage mentally with Hockit signals a focused, businesslike approach heading into fight night
- Blaydes' elite takedown volume against any opponent willing to engage in a grappling exchange presents a significant stylistic challenge
Saturday, April 11, 2026
