Curtis Blaydes Explains Why He’d Never Bet On Himself

Despite wholeheartedly believing in his abilities when the cage door shuts behind him, UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes says he’d never bet on himself. Blaydes, who is currently sat at #4 in the heavyweight rankings, has been an ever-present towards the top of the division since arriving in the UFC. In 15 outings on MMA’s…

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Despite wholeheartedly believing in his abilities when the cage door shuts behind him, UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes says he’d never bet on himself.

Blaydes, who is currently sat at #4 in the heavyweight rankings, has been an ever-present towards the top of the division since arriving in the UFC. In 15 outings on MMA’s biggest stage, “Razor” has fallen to only two names, powerhouse Derrick Lewis in February 2021 and reigning champion Francis Ngannou in 2016 and 2018.

Beyond those defeats, Blaydes has dispatched former titleholder Junior dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, and Alexander Volkov. In his most recent two appearances, the 31-year-old breezed past top-10 contenders Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Chris Daukaus.

But despite his obvious talents, which includes a blossoming striking game, Blaydes wouldn’t go as far as to place money on his own success inside the Octagon.

During an interview on The Hannibal TV, Blaydes was asked whether he believes that other fighters often gamble on themselves ahead of their fights, especially with some expressing negative views towards their compensation in the UFC.

While Blaydes has no doubt that some attempt to improve their income in that way, he would certainly not follow suit, suggesting that it would be “bad luck” to bet on himself.

“I think it’s highly possible (that a lot of fighters bet on themselves). I wouldn’t do it, just ’cause I’m very superstitious, and I just think that’s bad luck,” said Blaydes. “So, I wouldn’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that was already a thing. I already make enough, so I don’t feel the need to risk the extra money.”

Justin Jaynes Unsuccessfully Bet On Himself In 2021

Betting your entire fight purse, as well as your team’s, on yourself is quite the unique way to motivate yourself ahead of a crucial contest. As it turns out, it’s not particularly effective. Justin Jaynes is living proof.

At UFC Vegas 30 last June, not only did “Guitar Hero” leave the cage with a fourth straight defeat, courtesy of Charles Rosa and two of the three judges, he exited it without pay. Given the unpredictability of mixed martial arts, it never seemed like the smart and motivational move that Jaynes seemingly perceived it to be.

In the end, despite washing out of the promotion with the loss, Jaynes said that he had no regrets over the bet, which he estimated amounted to $22,500.

“No regrets,” Jaynes wrote on Instagram. “I said it before the fight and I’ll say it again. I was prepared for all outcomes. If anyone thinks me losing this bet is going to break me they are sadly mistaken.”

What do you make of fighters betting on themselves? Do you agree with Curtis Blaydes’ take on it?

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Francis Ngannou Has No Intentions Of Following Blaydes’ Retirement Advice

Francis Ngannou has no intentions of following Curtis Blaydes’ recent advice to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA). Blaydes, a two-time opponent of Ngannou, recently suggested that Ngannou retire from MMA and take advantage of other opportunities available to him outside of the UFC, most notably, a boxing match with Tyson Fury. This would net…

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Francis Ngannou has no intentions of following Curtis Blaydes’ recent advice to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA).

Blaydes, a two-time opponent of Ngannou, recently suggested that Ngannou retire from MMA and take advantage of other opportunities available to him outside of the UFC, most notably, a boxing match with Tyson Fury.

This would net Ngannou a payday higher than anything he’s ever earned in his UFC career.

“If I were him, I would retire from MMA,” Blaydes said. “He’s already done enough. He’s not gonna earn as much as he would earn in boxing.

“I would take the bag, take the opportunity to earn $40 million.”

However, Ngannou recently took to Twitter to respond to a similar suggestion. “The Predator” made it clear that he has no intentions of walking away from MMA anytime soon.

Instead, he doubled down that he has much more left to accomplish in this sport.

“I’m just getting started bro! I have at least 5 more years to conquer everything. #3KINGS

Ngannou currently reigns as UFC heavyweight champion and is currently on a six-fight win streak. The African champion pulled off his first successful title defense against former teammate Ciryl Gane back in January.

As for Blaydes, he’s currently on a two-fight win streak, looking to get back into title contention. Of course, that would mean a third bout with Ngannou.

Blaydes initially met Ngannou in April of 2016 and was defeated in the second round due to a doctor stoppage after a bad cut.

They rematched in November of 2018, with Ngannou finishing Blaydes in just 45 seconds of the first round in China.

What do you think about Francis Ngannou responding to Curtis Blaydes’ retirement advice? Let us know in the comments below!

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Tom Aspinall Responds To Chael Sonnen’s Criticism: “I’m More Than Happy Being Myself”

Tom AspinallTom Aspinall is more than happy being himself rather than playing a WWE like character in order to promote himself, like Chael Sonnen has suggested. Aspinall is the sixth ranked heavyweight in the organization, and is one of the most recognized up and coming fighters in the UFC. Aspinall has his biggest test ahead of […]

Tom Aspinall

Tom Aspinall is more than happy being himself rather than playing a WWE like character in order to promote himself, like Chael Sonnen has suggested.

Aspinall is the sixth ranked heavyweight in the organization, and is one of the most recognized up and coming fighters in the UFC. Aspinall has his biggest test ahead of him July 23rd, as he takes on one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, Curtis Blaydes.

Sonnen said ahead of this fight against Blaydes, that Aspinall needed to promote himself more as a fighter to get more eyes on him. He called Aspinall to sweet of a person and is too much of a fan of the sport to headline a major card.

“I can’t put him back in a main event,” Sonnen said. “I can’t put him in a title shot. I can’t put him in anything that he says he doesn’t belong in. Nobody can.” (Transcribed by Bloodyelbow)

Tom Aspinall answered Chael Sonnen in his latest interview with Ariel Helwani

“I never thought that I was going to be talking about a title after five UFC fights, six UFC fights. I feel like I’ve got more work to do. I’ve got a lot more work to do, more proving. I don’t want to be one of these people who gets here by talking. That is not me.” Aspinall said on The MMA Hour

Aspinall claimed that he would rather let his fighting do the talk for him, rather than continuously talking and calling people out. Aspinall’s approach going forward will be to continue being himself and a genuine person, rather than put on a persona like other fighters and WWE superstars.

“I’m more than happy being myself thanks and not selling myself out and acting like a [clown] for views and money,” wrote Aspinall on Instagram Stories. “I am not a WWE entertainer I’m one of the greatest heavyweights to walk on this [Earth] and it will be shown in my body of work from my UFC debut until I retire in 10 years. I don’t need to talk s—t. Happy to be myself.”

Blaydes Suggests Ngannou Should Retire From MMA

Curtis Blaydes thinks that UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou should take advantage of the opportunities available to him outside of MMA. The 31-year-old heavyweight made an appearance on the YouTube channel The Hannibal TV to discuss his upcoming main event bout at UFC Fight Night London. “Razor” was also asked his thoughts on the current…

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Curtis Blaydes thinks that UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou should take advantage of the opportunities available to him outside of MMA.

The 31-year-old heavyweight made an appearance on the YouTube channel The Hannibal TV to discuss his upcoming main event bout at UFC Fight Night London. “Razor” was also asked his thoughts on the current status of former opponent Ngannou.

“If I were him, I would retire from MMA,” Blaydes said. “He’s already done enough. He’s not gonna earn as much as he would earn in boxing. I would take the bag, take the opportunity to earn $40 million.”

Ngannou is currently recovering from knee surgery following his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January. The 35-year-old’s contract with the UFC is set to expire at the end of this year, and “The Predator” has been vocal about his desire to box Tyson Fury once he’s healthy.

There’s been considerable speculation that the UFC might strip Ngannou of the heavyweight title if he intends to wait his contract out, but Blaydes isn’t so sure.

Blaydes and Ngannou have fought each other on two occasions, with Ngannou winning both bouts. (Getty Images)

“I don’t know if the UFC’s gonna wanna strip him. That’s another ‘I don’t know’. That’s up to them. You’d be a fool to actually think anyone knows what they’re gonna do.”

Currently the UFC’s #4-ranked heavyweight contender, Blaydes has shared the cage with Ngannou on two occasions. The two men first fought in 2016 in Blaydes’ UFC debut, with Ngannou coming out on top after a doctor called the fight off at the end of the second round.

“Razor” rebounded from his first career loss by going 5-0 (1 NC) through his next six fights before a main event rematch with Ngannou at a UFC Fight Night in Beijing. “The Predator” stopped Blaydes in under a minute to start his current five-fight win streak that includes winning the heavyweight strap from Stipe Miocic.

Blaydes is currently on a two-fight win streak following a decision over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and a second-round stoppage of Chris Daukaus. He’s scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night London in July against Tom Aspinall.

What do you think of Blaydes’ comments about Ngannou? Should the UFC’s heavyweight champion move on from the sport?

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EXCLUSIVE: Jairzinho Rozenstruik Previews Fight With Alexander Volkov, Talks Aspinall vs. Blaydes & Jon Jones-Stipe Miocic Title Fight

Jairzinho RozenstruikUFC heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik will headline UFC Fight Night 207 against Alexander Volkov this June 4. In an interview with LowKick MMA, Rozenstruik shared his thoughts on his upcoming match against Volkov. ‘Bigi Boy’ believes the fight will mostly be on the feet and any error in the cage will lead to a quick finish. […]

Jairzinho Rozenstruik

UFC heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik will headline UFC Fight Night 207 against Alexander Volkov this June 4.

In an interview with LowKick MMA, Rozenstruik shared his thoughts on his upcoming match against Volkov. ‘Bigi Boy’ believes the fight will mostly be on the feet and any error in the cage will lead to a quick finish.

“I think it can be a stand-up fight because he’s also a striker. I know he has some jiu-jitsu but mostly I think is going to be stand-up. Yeah, we’re going to see how it plays out. Of course, I’m looking for a win,” Rozenstruik continued, “When I see him, I’ll be there. He’s a big guy, he’s a big tree so I’ll be more moving, finding my angles and try to land what I can land and then see how he reacts. But I would say any error, any mistakes you’re out”

James Lynch probed the Surinamese fighter about Tom Aspinall’s recent win over Volkov and whether he was surprised about that.

“Actually I think it was expectable that Tom is good but I didn’t expect it to be so early in the match. So, I was surprised about that.”

The knockout artist gave props to Aspinall and speculated what might have led to Volkov’s loss. “I think maybe he’s (Aspinall) that excellent,” Rozenstruik added. “It’s the moment, it’s the time you had the fight, you don’t know what happened. Anything can happen.”

Jairzinho Rozenstruik on Aspinall v. Blaydes

Coming off a loss to Curtis Blaydes, Jairzinho Rozenstruik will fight against an opponent who was defeated by Blaydes’s next adversary, Aspinall. With the top and rising heavyweights being matched up against each other, Rozenstruik is excited to see how things play out.

“I think it’s a pretty good matchup. I know those fights are going to come, same as the fight with Ciryl Gane and Tuivasa. The whole heavyweight division is kinda booked so it’s going to be awesome after all these fights so we know where we stand and who we going to face after this.”

The 34-year-old does not seem to be concerned with who wins the contest and is ready to take on whoever comes out on top.

“I don’t really care who wins. For me, the most important thing is who I’m going to face after this. If it’s going to be him or Blaydes or somebody else. I hope it play out good for them and then I face one of them after.”

Jairzinho Rozenstruik on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

When Jon Jones announced his move to heavyweight over two years ago, fans were excited to see the greatest mixed martial artist compete against the big boys. There have been strong indications suggesting Jones will take on the greatest heavyweight of all-time in the UFC, Stipe Miocic, in his debut fight in the division.

While Jairzinho Rozenstruik believes the fight makes sense for the fans, he shared his discontent with the possibility of it being for the interim UFC heavyweight title.

“I definitely think it’s the fight to make for the fans,” he said. “But I disagree with him coming in and fighting for the title because we’ve been there running the division. He doesn’t, he was on the side sitting and saying he’s coming to heavyweight. At first, I was motivated that he’s coming to heavyweight, it can be a possible fight. It takes so long, what two years, two years and a half. So I kinda disagree with that that he wasn’t fighting doing anything and he jumped right in for the title.”

Do you want to see Jairzinho Rozenstruik take on Jon Jones in the future?

Aspinall: Blaydes Is Stylistically The Toughest Fight In The Division For Me

UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall is expecting to be in the toughest matchup possible when he returns to action against Curtis Blaydes this summer. In just five fights, Aspinall has grown from a promising prospect to a bonafide contender in the UFC’s heaviest weight class. After impressive finishes of Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, and former champion…

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UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall is expecting to be in the toughest matchup possible when he returns to action against Curtis Blaydes this summer.

In just five fights, Aspinall has grown from a promising prospect to a bonafide contender in the UFC’s heaviest weight class. After impressive finishes of Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, and former champion Andrei Arlovski established his name in the Octagon, his most recent appearances have cemented his place high up the ladder.

First came a co-main event TKO of Sergey Spivak at UFC Vegas 36 last September. When that secured him a steep step-up in competition, the Manchester native was unfazed. Headlining the UFC’s first trip to London since 2019, Aspinall thrilled his home crowd by submitting former Bellator titleholder and six-time UFC main-eventer Alexander Volkov.

Now, as he prepares for a second consecutive main event in front of his adoring home fans, Aspinall is fully aware of the challenge in front of him.

Aspinall Relishes “Toughest” Challenge Blaydes

On July 23, the UFC will be returning to The O2 in London for its second UK-held card of the year. Among the many returning victors from the March 19 card will be Aspinall, who will be at the very top of the slate, where he’s been matched up with #4-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall suggested that Blaydes, who is renowned for his impressive wrestling abilities and improving standup game, is the toughest opponent in the division for him when it comes to style.

“Do you want my honest opinion? Curtis Blaydes is probably the toughest fight in the division for me, stylistically,” said Aspinall. “But, I’m okay with that, because it’ll push me to a whole new level. Mate, that pushes me to levels I’ve never been before, and that’s what I need.

“If I’m with somebody who’s gonna make me comfortable, I’m gonna stay exactly where I am and do the exact same work that I’ve been doing. If you’re gonna give me someone I think is a scary fight, you’re gonna give me fear and you don’t wanna see me scared because I end up doing stuff like I did in The O2 the last time I fought,” added Aspinall. “I end up doing some crazy stuff that no-one’s ever done before.”

Given that some believe Blaydes is again inching closer to a title shot, a victory over the American would place Aspinall in a solid position when it comes to the championship conversation.

With Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic expected to collide in September, perhaps with interim gold on the line, the Englishman will be looking to place himself in and around the two legends with a second London triumph on July 23.

Do you agree with Tom Aspinall’s assessment? If Curtis Blaydes his toughest stylistic matchup?

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