Curtis Blaydes is taking full accountability from straying from his strategy in defeat to Tom Aspinall at UFC 304.
Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) saw his opportunity to become interim heavyweight champion blow up inside 60 seconds when he was rocked by Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) early in their rematch at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. The fight was stopped after he went facedown on the canvas and covered up, though he wasn’t put out cold.
After initially protesting the stoppage with some frustration, Blaydes has already moved on to acceptance. He issued a statement Sunday on social media and made “no excuses,” admitting that he got overzealous after tagging Aspinall in an early exchange (via Facebook):
Sorry guys, I got greedy when I touched him early and threw out the amazing gameplay that my coaches Vinnie Lopez Cody Donovan came up with that would’ve worked I’m sure of it. No excuses Tom was on point tonight I know this isn’t the end of my journey but damnit, I know I’m better than tonight’s performance. I appreciate all the support truly it’s been an eye opening experience to have so many ppl rocking with me
UFC 304 marked Blaydes’ first appearance in a UFC title fight of any sort in his 18th promotional appearance. He already has fought the majority of the top heavyweights on the roster, and it’s unclear what his next move will be.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.
