Blaydes Refuses to Feed Into Hokit's Promotional Antics Ahead of UFC 327

Curtis Blaydes has made it crystal clear he won't be playing into Josh Hokit's hands when they meet at UFC 327 this Saturday. The heavyweight veteran, coming off a 10-month layoff due to knee surgery, has zero interest in engaging with what he sees as his opponent's desperate attempts at viral marketing.

Speaking to media in Miami ahead of their bout, Blaydes expressed his frustration with Hokit's recent antics, which included confronting headliner Jiri Prochazka at the host hotel while dressed in what witnesses described as a cartoonish Mexican stereotype costume.

"He just wants the clips," Blaydes stated bluntly. "Any day besides this weekend is a waste of time. We're going to do it this weekend."

The 35-year-old Blaydes, who holds a 19-5 professional record with 14 UFC victories, drew comparisons between Hokit and controversial welterweight Colby Covington. However, he was quick to point out a crucial difference.

"He's doing the Colby Covington bit. But at least with Colby, he has something to stand on. He's actually good," Blaydes explained. "Hokit knows he's not going to get paid off his actual skills in the octagon. He's like, 'Oh, OK, I'm going to be a personality.' That's not my thing."

The criticism extends beyond promotional tactics to Hokit's fighting abilities. Blaydes, a perennial contender in the heavyweight division, believes his unranked opponent lacks the fundamental skills needed to compete at the highest level.

"He doesn't believe in his hands, and he's a small heavyweight," Blaydes observed. "It's hard to be a small heavyweight when you don't have any hands."

Despite his standing in the division, Blaydes was surprised when the UFC offered him the 8-0 Hokit, who had publicly called him out. The matchmaking has raised questions about whether the organization views him as a divisional gatekeeper.

"I don't want to say I'm a gatekeeper. But if I am, I'm good at it," Blaydes acknowledged. "You're not going to beat me unless you're legit. I don't think Hokit is legit."

Looking beyond Saturday's fight, Blaydes has his sights set on the winner of the upcoming bout between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Alexander Volkov at UFC 328. He believes a victory over a ranked opponent would position him for another title shot opportunity.

As for Thursday's pre-fight press conference at Miami's Kaseya Center, fans hoping for fireworks may be disappointed. Blaydes has promised to remain stoically professional, regardless of whatever theatrics Hokit might attempt.

"I'm going to be dry – very, very dry," he warned. "The UFC can just take away my microphone. I'm not going to respond. That's what he wants."

With his knee fully recovered and his focus laser-sharp on the task ahead, Blaydes appears determined to let his fighting do the talking when the cage door closes at UFC 327.