Curtis Blaydes says he respects Josh Hockitt despite pre-fight antics

Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Hockitt as a fighter despite disagreeing with his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockitt anything negative when he clearly can fight at a high level. While Blaydes dislikes Hockitt's persona and antics outside the cage, he said he respects him inside the Octagon when they face each other with gloves on. Blaydes questioned how he could not respect someone capable of competing at that level.