Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit: A Heavyweight Clash at UFC 327

Curtis Blaydes faced Josh Hokit at UFC 327 on April 11, 2023, in Miami, Florida, in a bout that has been hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight fights in history. The match, characterized by its intensity, saw both fighters combine for over 390 strikes across three rounds. Despite the fierce competition, Hokit emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, earning 29-28 scores from all judges. Blaydes, however, expressed his belief that he deserved the win, citing his performance in the first and third rounds, particularly in clinch exchanges.

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In the aftermath, Blaydes articulated his feelings about the fight, stating, “I think I won. I felt like I won round one... I think I landed and I brought just the same amount of forward aggression as he did.” He acknowledged that while Hokit had moments of success, he felt the judges overlooked his effective clinch work and aggression. Blaydes also reflected on his motivation to avoid being finished, driven partly by Hokit’s disrespectful behavior leading up to the fight.

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Following his victory, Hokit entered the UFC's top-five heavyweight rankings, moving to the No. 5 spot, while Blaydes dropped to No. 7. Hokit’s performance not only solidified his status as a formidable contender but also earned him a subsequent fight against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14, 2023. UFC President Dana White noted that Hokit’s antics during fight week, while polarizing, contributed to the excitement surrounding the event.

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Despite the fierce competition, Blaydes and Hokit’s rivalry extended beyond the Octagon. After the fight, both fighters were transported to a local hospital, where a humorous exchange occurred. Blaydes recounted Hokit’s comment, “Blaydes, why didn’t you just give up? F*ck!” This interaction highlighted the ongoing tension between the two, as Blaydes requested to be moved away from Hokit to avoid further conflict. Blaydes admitted that he struggled to show respect after the fight due to Hokit’s behavior during the bout.

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Blaydes was not alone in his sentiments; many within the UFC community expressed their disdain for Hokit’s antics. He reported that numerous UFC staff members were rooting for him during the fight, indicating a broader discontent with Hokit’s persona. Blaydes remarked, “No one likes him. I had people on the staff tell me all week ‘beat his ass. We don’t like him.’”

Curtis Blaydes gives praise to Josh Hokit following UFC 327 battle

As both fighters recover from their grueling match, the future looks promising for Hokit, who has quickly risen through the ranks of the heavyweight division. Blaydes, while disappointed with the outcome, remains hopeful for a rematch, believing that their first encounter showcased the potential for an exciting rivalry. The implications of UFC 327 extend beyond the fight itself, as both athletes prepare for their next challenges in the Octagon.

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