Curtis Blaydes expresses respect for Josh Hockett despite pre-fight antics

Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hockett as a fighter despite his opponent's pre-fight behavior and personality, which Blaydes doesn't particularly like. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call him names when Hockett clearly can fight at a high level. He emphasized that while he may not enjoy Hockett's persona or antics outside the cage, he has full respect for him as a competitor inside the octagon when they're facing each other with gloves on. Blaydes questioned how he could not respect someone with legitimate fighting ability.