Josh Hockitt earned widespread acclaim for his Fight of the Night performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, with fans calling for him to continue fighting contenders rather than rushing to a title shot. The post expressed enthusiasm about Hockitt's ability to create exciting fights and suggested he could "make the heavyweight division great again." The author advocated for Hockitt to spend a couple more years competing against top-15 opponents to build his resume and continue delivering entertaining bouts. Hockitt's performance against Blaydes converted new fans who appreciated his aggressive style. The sentiment reflects a desire to see Hockitt fully developed before championship-level competition.
Josh Hockitt's performance at UFC 327 on April 11 has generated a wave of fan enthusiasm, with many calling the heavyweight standout one of the most exciting new forces in the division after his Fight of the Night bout against Curtis Blaydes.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," entered the contest as the number-four-ranked heavyweight in the UFC. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a record of 19 wins and 6 losses and is one of the division's most accomplished grapplers, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he presents a formidable challenge for any heavyweight on the roster.
Hockitt's ability to produce an exciting fight against a contender of that caliber caught the attention of fans who had not previously followed him closely. The sentiment circulating after UFC 327 was not a push toward an immediate title shot but rather a desire to see Hockitt continue developing against top-15 opponents over the next few years. Supporters argued that a carefully built resume of high-profile bouts would serve him better than a premature championship opportunity, and that his aggressive style has the potential to energize a heavyweight division in need of fresh matchups.
Why it matters
- Hockitt's Fight of the Night showing against a top-five heavyweight raises his profile significantly in a deep division
- Blaydes, ranked fourth at heavyweight, is a credible measuring stick, making the performance difficult to dismiss
- Fan calls for patience rather than an instant title shot reflect confidence in Hockitt's long-term trajectory
- The response suggests Hockitt has the entertainment value to carry marquee matchups as the division continues to evolve
Saturday, April 11, 2026
