UFC: Curtis Blaydes wants Francis Ngannou rematch – ‘if I get him on the ground it’s over’
- ‘Razor’ Blaydes predicting a finish against Junior Dos Santos at UFC Fight Night Raleigh
- Heavyweight contender targets another crack at ‘The Predator’ Ngannou – ‘I know where he’s weak’
With lopsided wins over Shamil Abdurakhimov and Justin Willis in the rear-view mirror, Curtis Blaydes is on the road to a UFC heavyweight title shot. Before Blaydes can contend for the title, however, he’ll need to bypass Brazilian spike strip Junior dos Santos, who he’ll meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night Raleigh this weekend.
Dos Santos, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is now 35 years old, but Blaydes believes his foe is still as dangerous as ever, and is not taking the challenge lightly.
“He’s still extremely dangerous,” Blaydes told the Post of Dos Santos. “He’s still got power in his hands. Everyone agrees that power is the last thing to leave – especially for heavyweights – so I’m not going to not respect him. I’m going to treat him like he’s got the belt.”
While dos Santos is best known for his striking and Octagon-shaking power, Blaydes is known first and foremost for his wrestling. The 28-year-old, who has completed more takedowns than any other heavyweight in UFC history, intends to apply that skill set in Raleigh, just like he does in every fight.
“We’re not going to alter the usual game plan,” he said. “That’s the beauty of my game plan: it’s pretty universal, regardless of my opponent’s style.