“I want to remember my daughter's birthday when she's 18. I don't want to forget it. I don't want to forget her name. I don't want to forget where I put my car keys every day. The best way for me to do that is to protect myself. The best way to protect myself in the Octagon is simple: If I put you on your butt, you can't hit me hard.”

American professional mixed martial artist

Curtis Blaydes is an American professional mixed martial artist who has competed since 2014. He fights in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and previously competed in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance. Blaydes is known for his career in heavyweight mixed martial arts, with his professional run beginning in 2014. He is ranked #6 in the Meta UFC heavyweight rankings as of October 24, 2026.