Analysis of Josh Hockett's performance reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities in his fighting style. While he successfully defeated Curtis Blaydes, Hockett absorbed significant strikes during the fight, a pattern that could prove costly against knockout artists like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. Despite the damage taken, Hockett demonstrated improved striking power that remained consistent even in the exhausting third round, with his punches maintaining their impact throughout. His work with trainer Winkeljohn was evident in his use of elbows and overall striking variety in the third round. Hockett also showed strong takedown defense, easily defending all of Blaydes' wrestling attempts. His aggressive, blood-and-brawl style appears perfectly aligned with the preferences of Dana White and Donald Trump, who was in attendance.
Josh Hockett picked up a victory over Curtis Blaydes in a fight that exposed both the upside and the risk in his aggressive approach, with post-fight analysis highlighting a pattern of absorbing punishment even when winning.
Blaydes, 35, entered the contest as the fourth-ranked heavyweight and one of the more decorated wrestlers in the division, carrying a 19-6 record and an elite takedown rate of 5.38 attempts per 15 minutes. Despite that grappling pedigree, Hockett reportedly shut down every takedown attempt with ease, neutralizing the primary weapon of a fighter who stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach and lands strikes at a clip of 3.56 per minute.
Hockett's own striking showed notable development, with his punching power holding up deep into the third round — a stretch where many fighters see their output fade. Observers credited trainer Winkeljohn for visible improvements in Hockett's elbow usage and striking variety late in the bout. Still, the willingness to trade and absorb damage drew scrutiny given the opponents who could follow.
Why it matters
- Hockett's durability will be severely tested against elite knockout threats at heavyweight and light heavyweight
- Sergei Pavlovich, ranked third at heavyweight with a 20-3 record and an 84-inch reach, lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute and carries one-punch finishing power that punishes fighters who accept damage
- Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, 13-4 at 38 years old, connects at a remarkable 62 percent striking accuracy with 5.16 significant strikes per minute — making any exchanges costly
- Hockett's brawling, crowd-pleasing style drew approval from UFC president Dana White and Donald Trump, who attended the event, potentially accelerating his path toward high-profile matchups
