Curtis Blaydes
Razor
USA
Legendary effort in defeat
Blaydes lost to Josh Hokit via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 327 on Saturday in Miami.
ANALYSIS
Unlike the last fight, when both men saw their stock drop considerably, Blaydes and Hokit see their respective stocks go through the roof in what was one of the greatest heavyweight bouts of all time. Curtis is certainly going to be getting a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts (later confirmed by Dana White), although that's not going to help him in terms of the rankings. Blaydes was actually hopelessly outclassed here in terms of speed and overall effectiveness, but Hokit fought foolishly, and that allowed the former plenty of chances to earn the win. Ultimately, Curtis became increasingly less effective as the fight progressed, while the notable damage came from the Hokit side the entire fight. Blaydes turned 35 years old in February and has alternated losses and wins over his last six fights dating back to July 2022. It's far more likely than not we have already seen the best he has to offer inside the Octagon.
Unlike the last fight, when both men saw their stock drop considerably, Blaydes and Hokit see their respective stocks go through the roof in what was one of the greatest heavyweight bouts of all time. Curtis is certainly going to be getting a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts (later confirmed by Dana White), although that's not going to help him in terms of the rankings. Blaydes was actually hopelessly outclassed here in terms of speed and overall effectiveness, but Hokit fought foolishly, and that allowed the former plenty of chances to earn the win. Ultimately, Curtis became increasingly less effective as the fight progressed, while the notable damage came from the Hokit side the entire fight. Blaydes turned 35 years old in February and has alternated losses and wins over his last six fights dating back to July 2022. It's far more likely than not we have already seen the best he has to offer inside the Octagon.
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Hokit up next
Blaydes (knee) is scheduled to compete against fellow heavyweight Josh Hokit at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Half a year after popping his MCL, Blaydes is ready to fight. He will look to build on the positive momentum by defeating Hokit, not officially a newcomer but a promising one with wins in both his UFC bouts. Blaydes is fighting off a split-decision win over Rizvan Kuniev.
Half a year after popping his MCL, Blaydes is ready to fight. He will look to build on the positive momentum by defeating Hokit, not officially a newcomer but a promising one with wins in both his UFC bouts. Blaydes is fighting off a split-decision win over Rizvan Kuniev.
Barely gets past newcomer
Blaydes defeated Rizvan Kuniev via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
ANALYSIS
Blaydes managed to leave Azerbaijan with the No. 5 ranking he came in with, but boy did he have to work for it. He easily won Round 1 on the strength of two takedowns and 3:01 worth of control time, only to fail on his last six attempts over the course of the final 10 minutes. For what it's worth, Blaydes said in his post-fight interview that he "popped" his MCL in the opening frame and was labored the rest of the way. The sudden ineffectiveness suggests that might be true. Regardless, Blaydes is going to continue to remain in title-implicating bouts despite the fact he's just 2-2 in his past four fights dating back to April 2023.
Blaydes managed to leave Azerbaijan with the No. 5 ranking he came in with, but boy did he have to work for it. He easily won Round 1 on the strength of two takedowns and 3:01 worth of control time, only to fail on his last six attempts over the course of the final 10 minutes. For what it's worth, Blaydes said in his post-fight interview that he "popped" his MCL in the opening frame and was labored the rest of the way. The sudden ineffectiveness suggests that might be true. Regardless, Blaydes is going to continue to remain in title-implicating bouts despite the fact he's just 2-2 in his past four fights dating back to April 2023.
Fight rescheduled
Blaydes will face off against Rizvan Kuniev at UFC Qatar on May 17, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Blaydes will face off against Rizvan Kuniev in May after their original bout at UFC 313 was called off after Blaydes reported an illness. The 34-year-old American is 4-2 in his last six fights.
Blaydes will face off against Rizvan Kuniev in May after their original bout at UFC 313 was called off after Blaydes reported an illness. The 34-year-old American is 4-2 in his last six fights.
No longer facing Kuniev
Blaydes will no longer take on Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 313 on March 8, per MMAFighting.com.
ANALYSIS
Blaydes reportedly suffered an illness, meaning he won't be able to go against Kuniev. It's the second bout cancelled on the card due to an illness, as the same fate fell upon John Castaneda.
Blaydes reportedly suffered an illness, meaning he won't be able to go against Kuniev. It's the second bout cancelled on the card due to an illness, as the same fate fell upon John Castaneda.
Fight moved to March
Blaydes will take on Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 313 on March 8, per Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com.
ANALYSIS
The fight was originally scheduled to take place at UFC Seattle on February 22 but has been moved to UFC 313 instead. The reason behind this move has yet to be determined.
The fight was originally scheduled to take place at UFC Seattle on February 22 but has been moved to UFC 313 instead. The reason behind this move has yet to be determined.