Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hewitt as a fighter despite not liking his personality or pre-fight antics. Blaydes explained that it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hewitt, acknowledging that his opponent can fight. He emphasized that while he may not appreciate Hewitt's persona or promotional tactics, he respects him when they face each other in the Octagon with gloves on. Blaydes questioned how he could fail to respect someone standing across from him ready to compete. The comments reflect Blaydes' professionalism and acknowledgment of Hewitt's fighting abilities regardless of their promotional rivalry.
Curtis Blaydes has made clear that whatever friction exists between him and Josh Hewitt outside the cage, he holds genuine respect for his opponent as a competitor when the gloves come on.
Speaking ahead of their upcoming matchup, Blaydes addressed the pre-fight back-and-forth directly, acknowledging that while he has little appreciation for Hewitt's personality or promotional tactics, writing him off as a fighter would be dishonest. Blaydes framed it as a matter of integrity, questioning how anyone could stand across from a man ready to compete and fail to respect what he brings.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," is ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division and carries a professional record of 19 wins and 6 losses at 35 years old. The Colorado-based fighter out of Elevation Fight Team is one of the more well-rounded heavyweights on the roster, standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. His numbers back that up — he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, a rate that places him among the most active grapplers in the division.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sitting at number four in the heavyweight rankings means a win or loss here carries real divisional weight
- His comments signal a focused, professional mindset despite the pre-fight friction
- The stylistic contrast between Blaydes' elite wrestling and however Hewitt chooses to engage shapes the tactical interest of the matchup
