Heavyweight Curtis Blaydes commented on Josh Hockitt's provocative behavior, comparing it to Colby Covington's promotional tactics. Blaydes acknowledged that Covington was actually successful with that approach, but stated the trash-talking style is not for him. He believes Hockitt is trying to create viral video moments and considers interacting with him outside of fight week a waste of time. Blaydes made it clear he won't engage with Hockitt's antics except during their upcoming fight weekend. The comments suggest Blaydes prefers to stay focused on the actual competition rather than verbal sparring.
Curtis Blaydes has weighed in on the antics of Josh Hockitt, drawing a pointed comparison between his upcoming opponent and welterweight veteran Colby Covington when it comes to using provocative behavior as a promotional tool.
Blaydes, the fourth-ranked heavyweight in the UFC, acknowledged that Covington's trash-talking approach has genuinely worked for the 38-year-old MMA Masters product, who carries a 17-5 record and built much of his profile on loud, confrontational marketing. But the 35-year-old Blaydes made clear that style holds no appeal for him personally.
Speaking to media, Blaydes said he sees Hockitt as someone deliberately engineering viral moments rather than engaging in any meaningful competitive exchange. The Elevation Fight Team representative described any interaction with Hockitt outside of fight week as a waste of his time and indicated he has no interest in playing along.
Blaydes enters the matchup carrying a 19-6 record and standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. He is one of the most active grapplers in the heavyweight division, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, and connects on a striking accuracy rate of 50 percent — a figure that stands well above the divisional average.
Why it matters
- Blaydes sits at number four in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a dominant performance could push him closer to a title picture he has been hovering near for years.
- His refusal to engage with Hockitt's mind games suggests a disciplined camp approach, leaning on his grappling volume and clean striking to do the talking.
- If Hockitt's strategy is to get inside Blaydes's head before fight night, Blaydes is signaling publicly that the tactic is not landing.
