Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Hockert despite disliking his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hockert's fighting abilities after their bout. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hockert's style or "gimmicks" outside the cage, he acknowledges he must respect any opponent who steps into the octagon with gloves on. The heavyweight fighter emphasized that anyone who can fight at that level deserves respect inside the cage, regardless of personal feelings about their behavior.
Curtis Blaydes has made clear he holds genuine respect for Josh Hockert as a fighter, even while making no secret of his distaste for Hockert's personality and pre-fight conduct.
In a recent interview, the veteran heavyweight explained that dismissing Hockert's abilities after sharing the octagon with him would be dishonest. Blaydes drew a distinction between personal feelings and professional acknowledgment, stating that anyone capable of competing at that level with gloves on has earned a degree of respect inside the cage — regardless of whatever antics they bring to the build-up. He was candid about not appreciating Hockert's style or what he called his "gimmicks" outside the competition, but framed overlooking his fighting credentials as outright hypocrisy.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," is ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division at 35 years old. The Colorado-based orthodox fighter out of Elevation Fight Team carries a professional record of 19-6 and has long been one of the most technically complete heavyweights on the roster. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence who backs his frame with elite grappling output — averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also brings real striking volume, landing 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, a rare combination of effectiveness for the heavyweight class.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning results in this division directly affect title contention order.
- His comments suggest a competitive respect that could signal the bout played out at a high level between two capable fighters.
- The stylistic contrast between Blaydes's wrestling-heavy, technical approach and Hockert's apparent showmanship adds an intriguing dimension to how the matchup was perceived by both men involved.
