Blaydes Suffers Facial Injuries in UFC 327 War

Longtime heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes sustained a fractured orbital and nose in his loss to Josh Hokit.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action and impact of the UFC heavyweight fight between Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit, with sharp, overlapping planes of movement and contact.The brutal battle between Blaydes and Hokit left the veteran contender with significant facial injuries, highlighting the physical toll of an elite-level UFC war.Today in Miami

Curtis Blaydes, a longtime UFC heavyweight contender, suffered multiple significant facial injuries in his 'Fight of the Year' candidate against prospect Josh Hokit at UFC 327 in Miami. Blaydes' management team revealed he sustained a fractured orbital and fractured nose in the hard-fought unanimous decision loss, and he will likely be sidelined for an extended period as he recovers.

Why it matters

Blaydes has been a fixture in the UFC heavyweight top 10 for years, with notable wins over top fighters like Mark Hunt and Tom Aspinall. This loss and the resulting injuries are a setback for the 35-year-old as he looks to regain his position as a title contender.

The details

The bout between Blaydes and Hokit turned into a slugfest, with the two combining to land the most significant strikes in a three-round UFC heavyweight fight. While Hokit appeared to wobble Blaydes at times, 'Razor' was never dropped. However, Hokit's strength grew as the fight progressed, and he ultimately earned the hard-fought unanimous decision victory.

  • The fight took place at UFC 327 on April 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The players

Curtis Blaydes

A longtime UFC heavyweight contender who has been a fixture in the division's top 10 rankings.

Josh Hokit

A UFC heavyweight prospect who earned a unanimous decision victory over Blaydes at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“Curtis Blaydes sustained a fractured orbital and fractured nose in the bout and will likely be sidelined for an extended period as he recovers.”

— Vayner Sports, Blaydes' management team

The takeaway

This loss and the resulting significant injuries are a setback for Blaydes as he looks to regain his position as a top heavyweight contender in the UFC. The fight showcased the physical toll that can come with engaging in a 'Fight of the Year' candidate at the highest level of the sport.