UFC Heavyweights Hokit and Blaydes Clash Over Personality Differences

Despite mutual respect in the octagon, the fighters continue to spar over their contrasting public personas.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense UFC heavyweight fight between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action and clash of personalities in the octagon.The intense battle between UFC heavyweights Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes is captured in a cubist, geometric style that reflects the clash of personalities and contrasting fighting styles.Today in Miami

UFC heavyweights Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes engaged in an intense battle in the octagon at UFC 327 in Miami, with Hokit emerging victorious. While the two fighters have expressed mutual respect for each other's skills, Blaydes has stated that he does not enjoy Hokit's outlandish personality, which has led to a war of words between the two.

Why it matters

The ongoing tension between Hokit and Blaydes highlights the complex dynamics that can exist between elite fighters, even when they share a mutual respect for each other's abilities. This story provides insight into the personal and professional challenges that top athletes can face, as they navigate the public spotlight and their own personal differences.

The details

In a post-fight livestream, Blaydes praised Hokit's fighting abilities, saying 'How can you not respect the guy who broke your orbital? That motherf---er can scrap.' However, Blaydes also stated that he does not enjoy Hokit's 'shtick' or personality, which has rubbed the former NFL player the wrong way. Hokit took to social media to express his disappointment, saying that he 'carried the burden of all the hate of the whole UFC community' just so Blaydes could finally be liked, only for Blaydes to then say he doesn't like Hokit as a person.

  • The UFC 327 fight between Hokit and Blaydes took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Blaydes made his comments about Hokit's personality during a post-fight livestream on April 13, 2026.

The players

Josh Hokit

A former NFL player who recently made his mark in the UFC with a decision victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.

Curtis Blaydes

A top-ranked UFC heavyweight fighter who lost to Josh Hokit at UFC 327, but has expressed mutual respect for his opponent's skills despite disliking Hokit's personality.

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What they’re saying

“How can you not respect the guy who broke your orbital? That motherf---er can scrap.”

— Curtis Blaydes, UFC Heavyweight Fighter

“I carried the burden of all the hate of the whole UFC community just so he can finally be liked in his 21st UFC fight... But he wants to say he doesn't like me as a human.”

— Josh Hokit, UFC Heavyweight Fighter

What’s next

The UFC will likely look to book a rematch between Hokit and Blaydes in the near future, as their contrasting personalities and competitive rivalry have generated significant interest from fans.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex interpersonal dynamics that can exist between elite athletes, even when they share a mutual respect for each other's abilities. It also underscores the challenges that top fighters face in navigating the public spotlight and managing their personal relationships within the sport.