Curtis Blaydes shows respect for Josh Hewett despite pre-fight trash talk

Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hewett as a fighter despite disagreeing with his pre-fight behavior and personality. Blaydes emphasized it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hewett names, acknowledging that Hewett can fight. While Blaydes does not like Hewett's personality or antics, he explained that he must respect him when they stand across from each other in the octagon with gloves on. Blaydes questioned how he could do otherwise when facing a legitimate competitor.