Curtis Blaydes Reflects on Epic War Against Josh Hokit at UFC 327

Blaydes suffered a fractured orbital bone and broken nose but earned a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An abstract, neon-colored painting with dynamic, blurred figures and splashes of vibrant colors representing the intense action of a heavyweight MMA fight.A vivid, high-energy illustration captures the raw intensity of the epic heavyweight war between Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit at UFC 327.Today in Miami

Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit put on one of the greatest heavyweight fights in UFC history at UFC 327, combining for over 350 strikes landed in their three-round war. Blaydes suffered a fractured orbital bone and broken nose but was rewarded with a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus. In his first statement since the fight, Blaydes paid homage to Hokit's toughness and expressed hope that their epic battle helped save the heavyweight division.

Why it matters

The heavyweight division has struggled to produce must-see fights in recent months, but Blaydes and Hokit's instant classic has reignited interest in the weight class. Their fight is an early contender for 2026 Fight of the Year and could help elevate both fighters' profiles.

The details

Blaydes and Hokit went to war for three rounds, combining for over 350 strikes landed. Both fighters scored near finishes but refused to give in, gutting it out until the final horn. Blaydes suffered a fractured orbital bone and broken nose in the fight but was awarded a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his efforts.

  • The fight took place at UFC 327 on April 8, 2026.
  • Blaydes issued his first statement about the fight on April 13, 2026.

The players

Curtis Blaydes

A top-ranked UFC heavyweight who suffered a fractured orbital bone and broken nose in his epic fight against Josh Hokit at UFC 327.

Josh Hokit

Blaydes' opponent at UFC 327, who also put on a gutsy performance in the three-round war.

Derrick Lewis

Hokit's next scheduled opponent at the UFC White House card in June 2026.

Tom Aspinall

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion who was knocked out of action due to an eye poke in his first title defense.

Ciryl Gane

Scheduled to face Alex Pereira in an interim heavyweight title fight at the UFC White House card.

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What they’re saying

“'Emptied the clip, threw the gun. That SOB is tougher to kill than he looks.'”

— Curtis Blaydes

“Did we save heavyweight chat?”

— Curtis Blaydes

What’s next

Blaydes is likely to be out of action for a while due to his injuries, but Hokit is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis at the UFC White House card in June 2026.

The takeaway

Blaydes and Hokit's epic battle at UFC 327 has reignited interest in the heavyweight division, which has struggled to produce must-see fights in recent months. Their Fight of the Year contender showcased the division's potential and could help elevate both fighters' profiles.