Curtis Blaydes has stated that he respects Josh Hewett as a fighter despite disliking his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained that it would be insincere and hypocritical to claim Hewett can't fight, acknowledging his opponent's skills inside the octagon. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hewett's persona and theatrics, he maintains respect for him as a competitor when they face each other with gloves on. The heavyweight contender emphasized the importance of recognizing an opponent's fighting ability regardless of personal feelings about their character outside the cage.
Curtis Blaydes has made clear that his personal distaste for Josh Hewett will not cloud his assessment of what Hewett brings to the cage ahead of their upcoming heavyweight matchup.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Blaydes said it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Hewett as a fighter simply because he dislikes his personality and pre-fight theatrics. The American contender drew a firm line between his feelings about Hewett the person and his respect for Hewett the competitor, emphasizing that recognizing an opponent's ability is a matter of honesty rather than warmth.
Blaydes, nicknamed "Razor," holds a professional record of 19-6 and is currently ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division. The 35-year-old out of the United States trains with Elevation Fight Team and carries one of the more well-rounded offensive profiles in the division. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and averages a division-leading 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a constant threat on the feet and on the mat.
Why it matters
- Blaydes is a top-four heavyweight contender, so any fight he enters carries direct title implications.
- His willingness to publicly credit Hewett's skills signals he is approaching the matchup without the complacency that can come from personal animosity.
- The contrast in styles and personalities sets up a compelling dynamic, with Blaydes known for disciplined, wrestling-heavy pressure against an opponent he views as theatrical but dangerous.
