Curtis Blaydes respects Josh Hewitt despite pre-fight behavior

Curtis Blaydes has publicly stated that he respects Josh Hewitt despite disagreeing with Hewitt's words and behavior before their fight. Blaydes emphasized it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hewitt names, acknowledging that Hewitt can fight. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hewitt's personality or antics, he says he respects him inside the octagon when they face each other with gloves on. Blaydes rhetorically asks how he could not respect an opponent under those circumstances.