Curtis Blaydes stated that he respects Josh Hockett as a fighter despite not liking his personality or pre-fight antics. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to call Hockett names when he clearly can fight at a high level. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Hockett's persona or the gimmicks he uses, he acknowledges that once they're in the octagon with gloves on, respect is mandatory. The heavyweight contender emphasized that it's impossible not to respect an opponent who can perform at that level. This appears to be Blaydes' reflection after their recent encounter.
Curtis Blaydes has offered a measured take on his rivalry with Josh Hockett, making clear that personal dislike and professional respect are two entirely separate things in his mind.
Speaking after their recent encounter, Blaydes explained that calling Hockett names or dismissing him would be both insincere and hypocritical. His reasoning was straightforward: Hockett can fight at a high level, and that fact alone demands acknowledgment. While Blaydes made no secret of his distaste for Hockett's persona and pre-fight gimmicks, he was equally direct in stating that once both men step into the octagon with gloves on, respect becomes mandatory.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," currently sits fourth in the UFC heavyweight division. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, carries a professional record of 19-6 and has long established himself as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the heavyweight class. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is a physical presence at the top of the division, and his numbers back up his reputation. He lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate and averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that places him among the elite grapplers in MMA.
Why it matters
- Blaydes remains ranked fourth in a heavyweight division where every result carries significant title-contention weight
- His comments suggest a level of competitive maturity, separating personal friction from on-the-clock professionalism
- The exchange between Blaydes and Hockett adds an interpersonal dimension to the heavyweight landscape worth watching as both fighters chart their next moves
