UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes expects to meet fast-rising title prospect Sergei Pavlovich with Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane booked for UFC 285.
Blaydes was once a possibility for Jones and got the former UFC light heavyweight champ’s attention by picking Stipe Miocic over “Bones” in a potential matchup. He now believes he is on a completely different track, and that it doesn’t fit with his record.
“Obviously I’ve seen the news, Gane is getting another title shot vs. Jones,” Blaydes wrote on Instagram. Most likely, I’ll get the [Pavlovich], who beat Tuivasa. That’s cool with me, I get why Gane got the shot and it wasn’t based off meritocracy and that’s not a news flash, the UFC is always gonna … match make based off who puts the most asses in the stands and eyes on the fight.
“I hope I’ll only need one more win to prove I can put asses in the stands and get a title shot.”
Blaydes, 31, has won three straight since a knockout loss to Derrick Lewis and presents a promotional upside due to his age. The Illinois native has also worked to be known as a more well-rounded threat after leaning on his wrestling to stifle opponents in previous bouts, stopping ex-champ Junior Dos Santos among several more recent TKO wins.
Blaydes made this adjustment after UFC President Dana White criticized him for his talk on fighter pay, and UFC’s business practices that involved aggressive performances. This could have caused White to lose favor with some audiences. White complimented the skills of the heavyweight, but stated that he had the wrong mindset and should keep busy.
A win over Pavolvich would put another up-and-coming heavyweight on Blaydes’ list of victims. With five consecutive wins in the first round, this Russian heavyweight has dominated all opposition. They have won them all with knockouts.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/15/23556521/curtis-blaydes-on-jon-jones-vs-ciryl-gane-it-wasnt-based-off-meritocracy-and-thats-not-a-news-flash?rand=96749
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