Curtis Blaydes says he respects Josh Emmett despite pre-fight antics

Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Emmett despite their contentious build-up and Emmett's behavior before their fight. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Emmett names after their bout. He acknowledged that while he doesn't like Emmett's personality or the "gimmicks" he employs, he respects him as a fighter inside the octagon. Blaydes questioned how he could not respect someone who broke his orbital bone. He emphasized that once they're standing opposite each other with gloves on, mutual respect is necessary regardless of personal feelings outside the cage.