Curtis Blaydes suffers orbital and nose fractures at UFC 327

Curtis Blaydes walked away from UFC 327 in Miami on April 11 with two significant facial injuries — a fractured orbital bone and a broken nose — adding a painful postscript to what was already a difficult night for the heavyweight contender.

Blaydes, 35, was treated and subsequently released from the hospital before making his way back home to Colorado to begin recovery. No timeline has been given for his return to training or competition, and the full extent of the medical process he faces will become clearer in the weeks ahead.

Known as "Razor," the American heavyweight holds a professional record of 19 wins and 6 losses and currently sits ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division. Fighting out of Elevation Fight Team in an orthodox stance, Blaydes stands six-foot-four with a remarkable 80-inch reach. His statistical profile reflects a fighter built around controlling opponents on the mat, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes — an elite rate at heavyweight. He also lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute and connects at a 50 percent striking accuracy clip, making him dangerous in all phases.

Why it matters

• Blaydes is ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, so an extended absence could affect his position in a competitive title picture.
• Orbital and nasal fractures typically require weeks to months of recovery before contact training can resume, potentially sidelining him deep into 2026.
• His grappling-heavy style may demand particularly careful clearance before full-contact sparring resumes, given the facial injuries sustained.

The circumstances of the fight itself — opponent and outcome — have not been detailed in official communications, but the physical toll on Blaydes is confirmed. His camp will monitor his recovery in Colorado before any decisions are made about his competitive future.