Curtis Blaydes-Courtesy UFC.com
Curtis Blaydes wants winner of Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa next
UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes wants to fight the winner of the upcoming match between Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa next.
Blaydes defeated Tom Aspinall via first-round TKO in the main event of UFC London after his opponent injured his knee. It was a disappointing end to the fight, but on paper, it’s a victory for Blaydes. While an immediate rematch between the two heavyweight contenders would be ideal, Aspinall figures to be out for a while due to injury. And with Aspinall out, Blaydes wants to move on and fight someone else.
Speaking to the media at the UFC London post-fight press conference, Blaydes said that he wants to move on and fight another opponent next. In Blaydes’ mind, the fight that makes the most sense is taking on the winner of Gane vs. Tuivasa at UFC Paris next. That’s because he only wants to fight above him in the rankings instead of behind him.
“I’m not risking my ranking. I won the fight. Heading into this fight I envisioned the winner, which is me, the winner of this fight would be fighting the winner of Tuivasa and Gane. So I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to fight those guys when it’s right there to wait for Aspinall to heal and run it back. It doesn’t help me with the rankings at all, staying active. You don’t have to stay active. You have to beat highly ranked opponents. I’m going to wait for the winner. I will not be taking No. 8, No. 7 (or) No. 6 because it doesn’t help me. It helps them. I’m not looking to give any handouts,” Blaydes said (h/t BloodyElbow.com).
It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches Blaydes up with next, but on paper, fighting the winner of Gane vs. Tuivasa certainly makes sense.
Who do you want to see Curtis Blaydes fight next?
