Curtis Blaydes says he respects Josh Hokit despite pre-fight trash talk

Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hokit as a fighter despite Hokit's behavior and words before their bout. Blaydes said it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hokit names after their fight, acknowledging that his opponent can genuinely fight. While Blaydes admitted he doesn't like Hokit's personality or antics, he made clear that he respects him inside the Octagon when they're facing each other with gloves on. The heavyweight contender emphasized that it would be impossible not to respect someone capable of competing at that level.