UFC 327 results: Josh Hokit beats Curtis Blaydes in shocking all-time heavyweight thriller

MIAMI – There was a lot of anticipation and buzz about Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes in the lead-up to UFC 327, but much of it was not based around the actual fight itself. But in reflection, it turns out the fight really, really didn't need any extracurriculars. At Saturday's event at Kaseya Center, Hokit (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Blaydes (19-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC) turned home an all-time heavyweight classic – abandoning their usual grapple-heavy attacks to play rock 'em, sock 'em robots for a full 15 minutes.

When the dust settled, Hokit showed it wasn't too much, too soon – as he won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Hokit had success early in the fight, putting Blaydes on rollerblades early. But Blaydes stormed back late, as he unloaded punch after punch as Hokit was backed up against the fence.

Much of Hokit's "alter-ego" character was left at the door, though middle fingers were flipped and signals to the crowd came after every round. Somehow, both men survived to see Round 2, which is when Hokit slowly began to take over. Hokit landed over and over again, clearly the quicker fighter.

But Blaydes hung tough and continued to have his moments, despite being visibly drained for his attempt to unload in Round 1. Round 3 was a tad slower but the effort and game plans remained the same: brawl. Blaydes, with a busted up face, absorbed everything Hokit had.