Curtis Blaydes has expressed respect for Josh Hockitt despite their contentious buildup before their fight. Blaydes stated it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hockitt's abilities, acknowledging that his opponent can genuinely fight. While Blaydes admits he doesn't enjoy Hockitt's personality or antics outside the cage, he respects him as a competitor when they face each other in the octagon with gloves on. The heavyweight contender emphasized that it would be impossible not to respect someone capable of breaking his orbital bone, referencing an injury from their bout.
Curtis Blaydes has broken from the antagonistic tone that surrounded his bout with Josh Hockitt, stating publicly that he holds genuine respect for his opponent despite a contentious buildup between the two heavyweights.
Blaydes, ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division, was candid in his assessment, saying it would be both insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hockitt's abilities. He made clear that whatever personal friction existed outside the cage, he views Hockitt as a legitimate competitor once the gloves are on. Most pointedly, Blaydes noted that it is impossible not to respect a man capable of breaking his orbital bone, referencing an injury he sustained during their fight.
The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a professional record of 19-6 and has long been one of the more dangerous wrestlers in the heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, Blaydes averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 50 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect a methodical, pressure-based style. His willingness to credit Hockitt speaks to a competitor who understands that surviving and performing at the top of a brutal division demands honest self-assessment.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits at number four in the heavyweight rankings, meaning any result in this matchup carries direct implications for title contention
- The orbital bone injury reference confirms the fight produced genuine competitive adversity for Blaydes, adding weight to his public acknowledgment of Hockitt
- The contrast between personal dislike and professional respect sets up a compelling rematch or continued rivalry dynamic at heavyweight
