UFC Columbus: Nationwide Arena, Ohio:
It took only 5-minutes and 17-seconds for Curtis Blaydes to make a statement. And a big one it was. After handing Chris Daukaus his second straight knockout loss, he quietly and yet bluntly told Daniel Cormier:
“I deserve an interim title against Ciryl Gane”.
And as he’s become more well rounded, it’s hard to argue against him. Blaydes also said to Stipe Miocic sitting cage-side they may need to fight one day as well. His boxing was solid from the get-go as he controlled the center of the octagon.
While both Daukaus and Blaydes let their hands fly, the 31-year old Chicagoan was more crisper with his shots. He also mixed in somewhat of a kicking game, and bloodied Daukaus in the opening round with a right hand. The one thing that the leader in UFC Heavyweight history of takedowns with 62 didn’t do was attempt any. Perhaps that’s because just 17-seconds into the second frame, a counter right dropped the Philadelphia native, and hammer shots finished him off with referee Herb Dean jumping in to stop the fight.
Curtis Blaydes Makes Statement; Does He Get Shot At Gold Next?
He only has three-losses. Two-to the present champion, Francis Ngannou (both decisive KO’s), and one-to Derrick Lewis. Coming in sitting at number four-in the rankings, he’ll probably just hold his spot. So the powers that be could run back that fight with “The Black Beast”, or actually give him that interim fight. Although, Miocic and Jon Jones may have something to say about that.
It literally could be a coin-flip to see who his next opponent will actually be. Getting a win back is always on the mind of an athlete. And it might help Blaydes continue to improve before he gets in the cage with Gane.
The Frenchman is far more well rounded, and a lot more dangerous than Blaydes is. Although Ngannou showed that he accepts being taken down, at least as of now, and doesn’t fight the position. So guess the real question is; does anyone have a coin to flip?
