UFC 327's Curtis Blaydes Expects 'One-Trick Pony' Josh Hokit to 'Hunt Him' Like a Bulldog

Blaydes says he'll be 'ready to sprawl and brawl' against the surging heavyweight prospect.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a heavyweight MMA fight, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the intensity of the competition.The high-stakes clash between veteran Curtis Blaydes and rising prospect Josh Hokit at UFC 327 promises an explosive, unpredictable battle in the Octagon.Today in Miami

Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Curtis Blaydes is set to face off against rising prospect Josh Hokit in the featured bout of UFC 327 this weekend in Miami, Florida. Blaydes expects Hokit to come at him aggressively like a 'bulldog', but believes he has the superior skills and experience to handle the challenge.

Why it matters

This high-stakes matchup between the No. 5-ranked Blaydes and the surging Hokit will have major implications for the UFC heavyweight division. A win for Blaydes solidifies his place among the elite, while a loss could shift the narrative around him. For Hokit, a victory would catapult him into the top 5 and establish him as a legitimate contender.

The details

Blaydes believes Hokit is a 'one-dimensional guy' compared to his own well-rounded skillset. Blaydes' coach, Foster Bailey, echoed this sentiment, calling Hokit a 'one-trick pony' and saying that when Blaydes 'locks in', he's the 'most dangerous man on the planet.' Blaydes is 5-2 in his last seven fights, with his only losses coming against current champion Tom Aspinall and knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich.

  • UFC 327 will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The players

Curtis Blaydes

A former UFC heavyweight title challenger currently ranked No. 5 in the division.

Josh Hokit

A surging heavyweight prospect looking to make a major statement with a win over the veteran Blaydes.

Foster Bailey

Blaydes' coach, who believes his fighter is the 'most dangerous man on the planet' when he's 'locked in.'

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What they’re saying

“I view this as a one-dimensional guy versus a guy with a lot of skills, and obviously, I'm the guy with a lot of skills. I know it is a fight with chaos, and anything can happen, but I'm expecting him to be hunting like a bulldog, but I'll be ready to sprawl and brawl.”

— Curtis Blaydes, UFC Fighter

“It's Heavyweight — everyone is dangerous. But I think he's a one-trick pony just like Curtis said. When Curtis locks in, I think he is the most dangerous man on the planet, and I wouldn't want to be Josh Hokit when that door closes. Curtis is a bad motherf—ker. He has better footwork, better jiu-jitsu, more power, more size, and way more experience.”

— Foster Bailey, Blaydes' Coach

What’s next

The winner of this fight between Blaydes and Hokit will likely earn a spot in the UFC heavyweight title picture, potentially setting up a future championship opportunity.

The takeaway

This matchup between the veteran Blaydes and the rising prospect Hokit is a classic 'sink-or-swim' moment for both fighters. Blaydes is confident in his well-rounded skills and experience, while Hokit will look to pull off the upset and catapult himself into title contention. The outcome of this fight could have major implications for the future of the UFC heavyweight division.