Curtis Blaydes stated that despite not liking Josh Hockit's personality and pre-fight behavior, he respects him as a fighter inside the octagon. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockit names after their fight, acknowledging that his opponent can genuinely fight. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hockit's antics and persona, he said he must respect anyone who puts on the gloves and stands across from him in the cage. The heavyweight contender emphasized separating personal feelings from professional respect for fighting ability.
Curtis Blaydes has made clear that whatever friction exists between him and Josh Hockit outside the cage, it does not cloud his view of what Hockit brings as a competitor inside it.
Speaking ahead of their matchup, Blaydes said he dislikes Hockit's personality and pre-fight behavior, but that calling him out after the fact would be insincere and hypocritical. The heavyweight contender drew a firm line between personal feelings and professional respect, stating that anyone willing to put on the gloves and stand across from him in the octagon earns acknowledgment for that alone.
Blaydes, 35, carries a 19-6 record and is currently ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division. The Chicago-born fighter trains out of Elevation Fight Team and brings a well-rounded, wrestling-heavy game to every performance. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is a physical presence at heavyweight, and his numbers reflect a wrestler who can also do damage on the feet — he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, while averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, one of the higher marks in the division.
Why it matters
- A win keeps Blaydes in contention near the top of a competitive heavyweight division
- His comments suggest a level-headed, focused mindset heading into the fight despite personal tension with Hockit
- The matchup pits Blaydes's elite wrestling volume against whatever Hockit brings, making the stylistic contrast a key storyline
