Curtis Blaydes revealed he and Josh Howitt rode together in the same ambulance following their bout. The two fighters were transported on stretchers to a nearby hospital approximately 30 minutes from the arena. Due to the positioning of the stretchers in the ambulance, Blaydes could not turn around to see Howitt, who was placed behind him, though he could hear Howitt speaking to him during the journey. The anecdote provides a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of their heavyweight battle.
Curtis Blaydes has revealed that he and opponent Josh Howitt shared an ambulance ride to a hospital following their heavyweight bout, offering a candid look at what the two men endured in the immediate aftermath of their fight.
Blaydes, who goes by the nickname "Razor," recounted that both fighters were loaded onto stretchers and transported together to a hospital located roughly 30 minutes from the arena. Due to the way the stretchers were arranged inside the vehicle, Blaydes was unable to turn and see Howitt, who was positioned behind him. Despite that, he could hear Howitt speaking to him during the journey — a small but striking detail that underscores the shared ordeal both men went through after trading blows at the heavyweight level.
Blaydes is one of the most accomplished heavyweights on the roster, currently ranked fourth in the division at 35 years old. The American, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a professional record of 19-6 and brings a physically imposing frame to every fight — standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. His wrestling has long been a defining weapon, with an elite takedown rate of 5.38 per 15 minutes, and he also contributes on the feet with 3.56 significant strikes landed per minute at a 50 percent striking accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- The anecdote highlights the physical toll of competing at heavyweight, where bouts can leave both fighters requiring immediate medical attention.
- Blaydes remains ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, meaning any fight involving him carries significant implications for the title picture.
- The detail that Howitt was audibly communicating during transport suggests both men were conscious and coherent — a notable point following what was clearly a punishing contest.
