Curtis Blaydes sees Stipe Miocic as viable option

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Curtis Blaydes is again to his ending methods – and he thinks he’s prepared for the subsequent step up.

At UFC on ESPN 33, Blaydes (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) knocked fellow heavyweight contender Chris Daukaus (12-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) unconscious in Round 2 and cemented his spot on the prime of the division. The win was huge, and Blaydes thinks it seemingly earned him a shot at one of many heavyweight weight class’ prime canine.

“A win over (Ciryl) Gane, who was on a scorching streak, who was simply in a title battle, a win over him ought to put me as the subsequent title contender – the identical factor with Stipe (Miocic),” Blaydes instructed MMA Junkie at a post-fight information convention. “He’s the G.O.A.T., in my view. He’s the G.O.A.T. of this heavyweight division. He truthfully deserved a rematch some time in the past. But when he’s prepared to danger it in opposition to me, and I beat him, that’s the identical factor. A title shot for me can be the identical factor after beating Gane or Stipe.”

Blaydes has historical past with Miocic – however not in a heated, rivalry-heavy method. Nearly a decade in the past, Blaydes, a younger rising fighter within the skilled ranks, skilled with established UFC title Miocic. Nevertheless, so much has occurred since then that might make issues fascinating, in keeping with Blaydes.

“We labored out collectively, years in the past once I was not superb,” Blaydes stated. “He destroyed me each sparring. I don’t don’t have any superior sparring tales. He was ranges and ranges above me. I helped him prepare for Gonzaga. That was again in 2012. I had simply begun my beginner profession in that yr.

“… I respect him, however I consider I’m on his stage. I consider I can take him down. I do know I can take him down as a result of I did take him down. However I additionally consider, if we get in a hanging battle, I can strike with him. I’ve acquired the footwork. I’ve acquired the acumen. I consider in my coaches. I do know I can cling with anyone on the toes.”

UFC on ESPN 33 happened Saturday at Nationwide Enviornment in Columbus, Ohio. Try Blaydes’ full post-fight information convention within the video above.