Curtis Blaydes stated he respects Josh Emmett as a fighter despite disliking his personality and pre-fight behavior. Blaydes explained it would be insincere and hypocritical to dismiss Emmett's abilities after their fight. While Blaydes doesn't appreciate Emmett's persona or tactics outside the cage, he acknowledges Emmett's fighting skill and says he must respect him as an opponent inside the octagon. The comments reflect Blaydes separating personal feelings from professional respect for an opponent's combat abilities.
