Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Hewett as a fighter despite disliking his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to deny Hewett's fighting ability after their bout. While the heavyweight contender said he doesn't appreciate Hewett's antics and persona outside the cage, he acknowledged that once they're in the octagon with gloves on, he must respect his opponent's skills. Blaydes emphasized that denying Hewett can fight would be dishonest given the experience of facing him.
Curtis Blaydes has offered a measured take on his opponent Josh Hewett, drawing a clear line between personal dislike and professional respect following their bout.
Blaydes, speaking in a recent interview, said he has no appreciation for Hewett's personality or his conduct leading into the fight. However, the heavyweight contender acknowledged that dismissing Hewett's abilities as a fighter would be both insincere and hypocritical. Having shared the octagon with him, Blaydes said denying that Hewett can fight simply would not be honest.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," is ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division and carries a professional record of 19-6. The 35-year-old from the United States trains out of Elevation Fight Team and brings a well-rounded, wrestling-heavy game to every fight. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and averages an impressive 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more persistent grapplers in the division.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits at number four in the heavyweight rankings, meaning results and statements around his recent opponents carry divisional weight.
- His willingness to credit Hewett's skills despite personal friction suggests the fight was more competitive than simple trash talk might have implied.
- The comments reflect how Blaydes operates professionally, separating cage performance from personal animosity — a distinction that shapes how the heavyweight contender is perceived heading into future matchups.
