If the main event was the biggest story of the night, the heavyweight contest between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes ran it close for sheer shock value.
In one of the most significant upsets on the entire UFC 327 card, Hokit handed the perennial top-five heavyweight contender Blaydes a unanimous decision defeat — a result that very few people inside or outside the arena saw coming.
Fight Summary
Blaydes arrived at UFC 327 as a heavy favourite and one of the most credentialed wrestlers in the entire UFC heavyweight division. Hokit, however, came prepared.
He showed a level of wrestling defense and cage intelligence that caught everyone off guard, neutralising Blaydes’ primary weapons with composure beyond his UFC experience.
On the feet, Hokit was economical but effective — landing significant strikes while largely avoiding the big power punches that Blaydes can deliver at any moment.
All three judges scored the contest clearly for Hokit, making this no hometown gift or disputed result. It was a dominant, surprising, and wholly deserved victory.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Blaydes looked to immediately close distance and initiate his wrestling. Hokit defended well, using the fence and underhooks to stay upright. Hokit landed the more telling strikes on the feet. Close but slightly for Hokit.
Round 2: Blaydes increased his intensity but still couldn’t secure the takedown he needed. Hokit’s confidence grew as the round progressed. Another close round edged by Hokit on activity and cleaner work.
Round 3 (Final Round): Hokit came out energized for the final frame and continued to frustrate and outwork Blaydes. All three judges agreed — Hokit had done enough across all three rounds.
Official Result
Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes | Unanimous Decision | Round 3 | 5:00
What’s Next?
Hokit’s win thrusts him into heavyweight relevance overnight. The MMA world will watch his next assignment with considerable interest.
For Blaydes, a loss of this nature demands evaluation — he remains a highly dangerous heavyweight, but must recalibrate and return to the elements of his game that made him a feared contender.
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