Curtis Blaydes says he respects Josh Hockert despite pre-fight animosity

Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hockert despite not liking his personality or pre-fight antics. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockert weak after their fight, acknowledging that Hockert can genuinely fight. While Blaydes dislikes Hockert's personality and showmanship outside the cage, he emphasized that he respects him as a competitor when they face each other in the octagon with gloves on. The heavyweight contender questioned how he could not respect someone capable of competing at that level.