Curtis Blades has responded to the provocative behavior of his upcoming opponent Josh Hewitt ahead of their UFC 327 clash. Blades compared Hewitt's approach to Colby Covington's trash-talking style, though he acknowledged that Covington was actually skilled to back it up. Blades stated that Hewitt is trying to create viral video moments and that engaging with him outside of fight night would be a waste of time. The heavyweight appears unfazed by Hewitt's attempts at psychological warfare and plans to handle business only inside the octagon. Blades made it clear he won't participate in the pre-fight theatrics.
Curtis Blaydes has brushed aside the pre-fight antics of Josh Hewitt ahead of their heavyweight showdown at UFC 327 on April 11, comparing his opponent's provocative approach to a well-worn template in the sport.
Blaydes drew a direct parallel between Hewitt's behavior and the trash-talking style made famous by welterweight contender Colby Covington. The heavyweight did not dismiss Covington entirely, acknowledging that "Chaos" has the skills to support his bravado — a distinction he made clear Hewitt has yet to earn. Covington, now 38 and carrying a 17-5 record, has built a career around psychological pressure alongside genuine technical output, averaging 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a rate of 3.81 per minute across his UFC tenure.
Blaydes indicated that Hewitt's conduct is calculated to generate viral moments rather than get inside his head, and he made plain he has no interest in engaging with the circus outside the octagon. His position is straightforward: the only exchange that counts happens inside the cage on fight night.
Why it matters
- Blaydes refusing to engage keeps the spotlight on his preparation rather than Hewitt's media strategy
- The comparison to Covington frames Hewitt as a trash-talker without yet the record to justify it
- A heavyweight bout at a numbered UFC event carries significant divisional weight, meaning the outcome will affect the rankings landscape at 265 pounds
- Blaydes signaling discipline and focus suggests he enters UFC 327 with a clear mental game plan regardless of the pre-fight noise
Saturday, April 11, 2026
