Curtis Blaydes feels he is the most tough heavyweight opponent for Jon Jones, but he may never get the chance since Jones may retire sooner.
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The MMA community is still in awe of Jones’s quick victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 on March 4. Jones won the vacant UFC heavyweight Championship with a guillotine choke after the fight lasted around two minutes in the first round. Jones challenged Miocic for a bout after the fight, but it appears like the battle will take place later this year.
Despite being connected to Miocic, other heavyweights, including as Blaydes, are considering an encounter with Jones. In an interview with MMA Fighting, he stated that Miocic is a difficult opponent for Jones. Blaydes, on the other hand, believes he has the toughest opponent for the heavyweight title.
MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin transcribed the following quotes. “…[I’m the toughest matchup]— I have the size, I have the wrestling, I have the athleticism, I have the speed, I have the agility,” said Blaydes. “I have all the things you need to match up with a talent like Jon Jones. I know he has the reach; his arms are longer than my reach. I would have to find a way to get in that zone type of range, and I might have to use elbows, I might have to get in the clinch, but I believe I could take him down. I believe once I take anyone down, the odds are in my favor.”
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Sergei Pavlovich will face Blaydes in the main event of UFC Fight Night 222 on April 22 at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The heavyweight division is watching this fight closely because the winner might be the next in line for a championship shot. Fans may recall Pavlovich as the backup combatant for Jones vs. Gane if either fighter was unable to compete at UFC 285. If the UFC and Miocic cannot reach an agreement, the victor of Pavlovich vs. Blaydes might face Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in their next bout.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Blaydes stated that he is more certain than ever that he will battle against Jones. Jones has also hinted at retirement if he defeats Miocic later this year, but Blaydes hopes he stays longer. For the time being, Blaydes must concentrate on Pavlovich, who is on a five-fight winning run. Blaydes’ opponent this weekend is not an easy game, but he is convinced he will face Jones in the future.
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