Curtis Blaydes Set Sights On Stipe Miocic As Next Possible Opponent: ‘He’s The G.O.A.T’

Curtis Blaydes hopes a win over Stipe Miocic or Ciryl Gane will position him for a crack at UFC gold.

Curtis Blaydes On Stipe Miocic
Curtis Blaydes via @UFC
  • Curtis Blaydes calls out Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane after beating Chris Daukaus
  • Blaydes believes he’s already reached Miocic’s level

Curtis Blaydes did not fail to deliver in his first main event bout this year as he knocked Chris Daukaus out in less than two rounds at UFC Columbus. However, “Razor” is well aware that he needs to beat a bigger name in the division to get a crack at the heavyweight belt.

A win away from title shot?

In his post-fight press conference, Blaydes said he wants either Ciryl Gane or Stipe Miocic next. According to the 31-year-old, a win over Gane or Miocic, whom he hailed as the “G.O.A.T.” will certainly be his launch pad to title contention. 

“A win over [Ciryl] Gane, who was on a hot streak, who was just in a title fight, a win over him should put me as the next title contender – the same thing with Stipe [Miocic],” Blaydes assessed via MMA Junkie. “He’s the G.O.A.T., in my opinion. He’s the G.O.A.T. of this heavyweight division.”

“[Miocic] He honestly deserved a rematch a while ago,” he continued. “But if he’s willing to risk it against me, and I beat him, that’s the same thing. A title shot for me would be the same thing after beating Gane or Stipe.”

Past is past

Some may not know, but Blaydes and Miocic have had battles as sparring partners in the past. “Razor” admitted that Miocic often got the better of him at the time but now is a different story.

For Blaydes, he is already on same footing as the former UFC heavyweight king and he is certain he can beat him either on the feet or on the ground.

“We worked out together, years ago when I was not very good,” Blaydes said of Miocic. “He destroyed me every sparring. I don’t have no awesome sparring stories. He was levels and levels above me. I helped him get ready for Gonzaga. That was back in 2012. I had just begun my amateur career in that year.”

“I respect him, but I believe I’m on his level,” he added. “I believe I can take him down. I know I can take him down because I did take him down. But I also believe, if we get in a striking battle, I can strike with him. I’ve got the footwork. I’ve got the acumen. I believe in my coaches. I know I can hang with anybody on the feet.”

Blaydes is now coming off back-to-back wins but what lies ahead of him is yet to be determined.

Published on March 27, 2022 at 12:07 am
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