Curtis Blaydes respects Josh Hewitt despite pre-fight trash talk

Curtis Blaydes has stated that he respects Josh Hewitt as a fighter despite not appreciating his pre-fight behavior and words. Blaydes emphasized it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hewitt's fighting ability. While Blaydes dislikes Hewitt's personality and antics, he acknowledged that he must respect him inside the Octagon when they face off with gloves on. Blaydes made clear that his respect for Hewitt as a competitor is genuine regardless of personal feelings.