Josh Hokit decisions Curtis Blaydes in instant classic at UFC 327

Q: What were the key moments in the fight between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327?

Key moments included Hokit landing powerful right hands that wobbled Blaydes, while Blaydes attempted takedowns and fought back despite being hurt.

Q: How did Josh Hokit earn his spot in the UFC before fighting Curtis Blaydes?

Josh Hokit earned his UFC spot through Dana White's Contender Series last year, where he showcased his finishing ability.

Q: What is Curtis Blaydes' ranking in the UFC heavyweight division after UFC 327?

Curtis Blaydes was ranked No. 5 in the heavyweight division before the fight, aiming to maintain his position against Hokit.

The UFC 327 main card featured an intriguing heavyweight but between No. 5 ranked former interim title challenger Curtis Blaydes and undefeated rising finisher Josh Hokit.

Hokit made his way to the UFC through the Dana White's Contender Series last year. He's scored first-round finishes in his two octagon appearances and looked to pick up the biggest win of his career at Kaseya Center in Miami.

Blaydes has faced the top of the division for a decade. He entered the bout coming off a split decision win over Rizvan Kuniev and planned to keep his spot in the Top 5 rankings intact.

Hokit came out aggressive pressuring Blaydes. He connected with a right hand. Blaydes looked for a takedown. Blaydes landed aq left hand. Hokit landed a right hadn't that put ?Blaydes on wobbly legs. Hokit looked for a finish. Blaydes weathered the storm. Hokit continued to pressure. Blaydes got badly hurt by another right hand. He powered forward and took Hokit down. Hokit bounced back to his feet.

Blaydes stayed on him and delivered punches. They separated and Blaydes quickly took Hokit down. Hokit worked his way back standing. Blaydes landed uppercuts along the cage. The early pace was furious. Blaydes backs way and landed right hand. Hokit flipped him off. Baydes went on the offense. He hurt Hokit. They slugged it out along the fence. Both landed big shots. They remained in the clinch likely resting. They separated in the closing seconds. Blaydes pressed forward with an uppercut followed by an elbow. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Blaydes, but not confidently.

Hokit pressed forward and was met with a right hand. Hokit connected with a right hand. Blaydes looked for a takedown but Hokit stuffed the attempt. Hokit keeps flipping Blaydes off. Hokit landed a clean right hand. Blaydes ate several heavy shots. Blaydes began landing his jab. Blaydes targeted the body inside the clinch. A right hand backed Blaydes up. Blaydes unstable on is feet. Hokit continued to land. Blaydes connected with a combination that forced Hokit to retreat. In the clinch, Blaydes landed to the body. He mixed in uppercuts. They separated and Hokit delivered a knee to the body. They exchanged right hands in the final seconds. MMAWeekly score the round 10-9 for Hokit.

The output has been insane for a heavyweight bout. Daniel Cormier called it the "greatest heavyweight fight of all time," and there was still a round left.

They exchanged combinations to start the final frame. Blaydes looked for a takedown but couldn't get it. They clinched and Blaydes went back to dirty boxing. They separated and Hokit pressed forward. They exchanged jabs in the middle of the octagon. Blaydes pressed forward with a combination. Hokit fired back. Blaydes connected with a. had right hand. They exchange elbows on the inside. Blaydes' face was a mess. Hokit stepped in the pocket with a combination. Blaydes responded with a right hand. They stood in front of each other and threw punches. A hard elbow landed for Hokit. They punched it out until the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Hokit.

The judges scored the fight for Hokit via unanimous decision. All three scorecards read 29-28.