Curtis Blaydes says he respects Josh Hokit despite pre-fight tensions

Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Hokit as a fighter despite disliking his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hokit's abilities after their bout. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hokit's antics and personality outside the cage, he acknowledges respecting him as an opponent when they face each other in the octagon with gloves on. The heavyweight contender emphasized that denying Hokit's fighting skills would be dishonest given their recent encounter.