Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hockitt as a fighter despite their contentious build-up before their bout. Blaydes explained that it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockitt anything negative after their fight. He acknowledged that while he doesn't appreciate Hockitt's personality or promotional tactics outside the cage, he has full respect for him as a competitor inside the octagon. Blaydes emphasized that when they face each other with gloves on, the respect is undeniable. His comments reflect a mature perspective on separating promotional theatrics from actual fighting ability.
Curtis Blaydes has offered a measured take on his relationship with Josh Hockitt following what the heavyweight contender described as a contentious build-up to their bout, stating that his respect for Hockitt as a fighter remains intact regardless of what happened outside the cage.
Blaydes made clear that calling Hockitt anything negative after their fight would feel insincere and hypocritical. While he admitted he does not appreciate Hockitt's personality or his promotional tactics, the American heavyweight drew a firm line between those personal frustrations and how he views Hockitt as a competitor. When the gloves go on, Blaydes said, the respect is undeniable.
The comments reflect a straightforward maturity from Blaydes, who has long been one of the more consistent presences in the UFC heavyweight division. The 35-year-old from the United States, training out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a professional record of 19-6 and currently sits ranked fourth among heavyweight contenders. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is a physically imposing figure whose game is built around a high-volume striking approach — he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy — and elite-level wrestling, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Blaydes is ranked fourth at heavyweight, meaning any win in this matchup carries real divisional weight
- His decision to separate promotional friction from in-cage respect signals a professional mindset heading into the aftermath of a heated build-up
- The contrast between Blaydes's grappling-heavy style and however Hockitt approaches the fight could make for a compelling stylistic test at the top of the division
