Curtis Blaydes: The Rise of a UFC Heavyweight Contender
Curtis Blaydes was born on February 18, 1991, in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Growing up in a large family, Blaydes was one of five siblings. He was introduced to sports at a young age, with a particular focus on wrestling, which would later become the foundation of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career.1
Table of Contents
Early MMA Career
Curtis Blaydes began his professional MMA career in 2014, quickly making a name for himself on the regional circuit. He debuted in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), a promotion known for being a stepping stone to the UFC. Blaydes demonstrated his wrestling prowess and raw power in his early fights, amassing a perfect record and earning the attention of UFC scouts.
Blaydes’ early success in MMA was characterized by his ability to dominate opponents with his wrestling, securing takedowns, and utilizing ground-and-pound to finish fights. His athleticism, combined with his wrestling background, made him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division.
UFC Debut and Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Curtis Blaydes made his UFC debut on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86, where he faced Francis Ngannou, a rising star in the heavyweight division. Although Blaydes lost the fight due to a doctor’s stoppage in the second round, his performance was commendable, and he gained respect for his toughness and potential.
Notable Fights and Rivalries
- One of the defining rivalries in Blaydes’ career has been with Francis Ngannou. The two fighters first met in Blaydes’ UFC debut, where Ngannou emerged victorious.
- They fought again on November 24, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 141, where Ngannou once again defeated Blaydes via TKO in the first round.
- Despite these setbacks, Blaydes remained determined and continued to work his way back up the rankings.
- Blaydes’ victory over Junior dos Santos on January 25, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 166 marked a significant milestone in his career.
- He won the fight via TKO in the second round, showcasing his striking power and further solidifying his status as a top contender in the heavyweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Curtis Blaydes is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the UFC heavyweight division. His background in collegiate wrestling has been the cornerstone of his success in MMA.
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Blaydes’ ability to secure takedowns at will and control opponents on the ground makes him a nightmare matchup for many strikers in the division.2
Also Read: Curtis Blaydes Opens Up About His Stutter, Reassures Fans It Not a CTE Issue
The Wrestling Roots of Curtis Blaydes
Curtis Blaydes, widely regarded as one of the premier heavyweight wrestlers in the UFC, has built his career on a foundation of outstanding wrestling ability. His prowess in wrestling was evident from an early age, particularly during his high school years, where he demonstrated dominance on the mats.3
Transition to MMA
- After a successful high school wrestling career, Blaydes initially continued his wrestling journey at Northern Illinois University.
- However, he later transferred to Harper College, where he won the NJCAA National Championship in wrestling.
- Despite his achievements in collegiate wrestling, Blaydes decided to shift his focus to mixed martial arts (MMA). His decision to transition to MMA was fueled by his desire to challenge himself in a new sport that required a combination of disciplines beyond just wrestling.
- Blaydes made his professional MMA debut in 2014, and it quickly became clear that his wrestling background would serve as a key asset in his career.
- His ability to take down opponents and control them on the ground made him a formidable competitor in the heavyweight division.
- Blaydes’ wrestling skills, combined with his evolving striking abilities, allowed him to rise rapidly through the ranks.
Early MMA Career and UFC Debut
Curtis Blaydes began his professional MMA career with a series of victories on the regional circuit, where he demonstrated his dominance with his wrestling.
His impressive performances caught the attention of the UFC, and he made his promotional debut in 2016 against Francis Ngannou, one of the division’s most feared strikers. Although Blaydes lost the fight due to a doctor stoppage, he showcased his toughness and wrestling ability by taking Ngannou down multiple times.
Rising Through the Heavyweight Ranks
Blaydes’ relentless work ethic and dedication to improving his craft paid off as he climbed the ranks of the UFC’s heavyweight division.
His wrestling was often the deciding factor in his fights, as he was able to neutralize the striking threats of his opponents by taking them to the ground and dominating them with his grappling. This approach led to victories over some of the division’s top contenders.
Curtis Blaydes’ Net Worth in 2024: A Comprehensive Breakdown
As of 2024, Curtis Blaydes, a prominent figure in the UFC heavyweight division, has amassed an estimated net worth of around $2 million.
This considerable wealth is a testament to his successful career in mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly within the UFC, where his wrestling prowess and evolving striking skills have made him one of the top contenders in his division.
Curtis Blaydes considers himself the toughest matchup for Jon Jones but no guarantees he gets through Stipe Miocic (@DamonMartin) https://t.co/9KuLioC47z pic.twitter.com/VfF6Y1Ksnu
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 18, 2023
Early Career Earnings: The Foundation of Wealth
- Curtis Blaydes’ journey to financial success began with his entry into the UFC in 2016. Though his initial earnings were modest compared to his later payouts, they laid the foundation for his growing net worth.
- In his early UFC bouts, Blaydes earned typical rookie wages, with base salaries often ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 per fight. As he started to gain recognition for his dominant wrestling and ability to control fights, these figures began to rise.
- One of Blaydes’ early significant paydays came with his victory over Cody East in 2016, where he earned a base salary of $12,000, which was doubled thanks to a win bonus, bringing his total earnings for that fight to $24,000.
- While these figures were modest, they were a clear indication of the financial rewards that could come with success in the UFC.
Rising Through the Ranks: Increasing Paydays
As Blaydes continued to climb the ranks in the UFC, his earnings began to reflect his status as a top contender. His fights against high-profile opponents not only increased his visibility but also significantly boosted his income.
For example, his fight against Aleksei Oleinik in 2017 saw Blaydes earning a base salary of $28,000, plus a win bonus, bringing his total to $56,000. This fight marked a turning point in Blaydes’ career, as he began to establish himself as a force in the heavyweight division.
Major Paydays: The Pinnacle of Blaydes’ Earnings
The most significant financial milestones in Curtis Blaydes’ career came as he began to headline UFC events and face off against some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division. His most lucrative bout to date was his fight against Sergei Pavlovich in April 2023.
Despite losing the fight via a first-round TKO, Blaydes took home a hefty paycheck. For this bout, Blaydes earned a base salary of $400,000, and with an additional $20,000 from sponsorships, his total earnings for the fight amounted to $420,000. This fight alone contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
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Curtis Blaydes’ Record: A Closer Look at “Razor” in the Octagon
Curtis “Razor” Blaydes has carved out an impressive career in the UFC, earning a reputation as one of the most dominant wrestlers in the heavyweight division. As of 2024, Blaydes boasts a professional MMA record of 18 wins, 4 losses, and no draws (18-4-0).
His record is a testament to his powerful wrestling base, evolving striking abilities, and resilience in the highly competitive heavyweight division. Let’s break down his record, analyzing his wins, losses, and the significance of each in his career trajectory.
Dominant Wins: A Heavyweight with Knockout Power
- Curtis Blaydes has secured 18 victories in his professional MMA career, with 13 of those wins coming via knockout (KO) and 5 via decision.
- This striking ratio highlights his ability to finish fights, particularly with his ground-and-pound—a skill set that has made him a feared opponent in the heavyweight division.
- Blaydes’ wrestling background plays a crucial role in his knockout victories. He often uses his superior grappling to take opponents down and unleash a barrage of punches and elbows that have led to many of his KO wins.
- For instance, his fight against Alistair Overeem at UFC 225 in June 2018 is a prime example. Blaydes utilized his wrestling to control the fight, eventually finishing Overeem with devastating elbows that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Decision Wins: A Testament to Endurance and Skill
While Blaydes is known for his knockout power, he also has 5 wins by decision. These victories are a testament to his ability to maintain control and dominance over the course of a full fight, showcasing his endurance, fight IQ, and adaptability.
Setbacks and Losses: Learning from Defeat
Curtis Blaydes’ 4 career losses have all come via knockout, a somewhat ironic statistic given his own knockout prowess. These defeats have often come at the hands of some of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division, highlighting the high-risk nature of competing at the top level in the UFC.
Curtis Blaydes’ Family Life: A Look at “Razor” Beyond the Octagon
Curtis Blaydes, known for his powerful presence in the UFC’s heavyweight division, has built a life outside the octagon that is just as fulfilling. While he is celebrated for his achievements in mixed martial arts, Blaydes also takes pride in his role as a partner and father.
Blaydes is engaged to Alexandria Wright, a successful businesswoman, and together they are raising their daughter. Here’s a closer look at Blaydes’ personal life, highlighting his relationship with Wright and his experience as a father.
A Strong Bond: Curtis Blaydes and Alexandria Wright
Curtis Blaydes and Alexandria Wright have been together for over seven years, sharing a deep and enduring bond. Their relationship is a testament to their mutual support and understanding, qualities that have helped them navigate the challenges of life in the public eye.
While Blaydes is known for his grueling training sessions and fights, Wright is equally impressive in her own right, running a successful business.
Engagement and the Promise of the Future
Blaydes and Wright’s relationship reached a new milestone when they became engaged, solidifying their commitment to each other. While the couple has not publicly announced their wedding plans, their engagement marks a significant step in their journey together.
The support Wright provides to Blaydes is evident, not just in their personal life but also in how she stands by him through the ups and downs of his career.
Parenthood: Raising a Daughter Together
Curtis Blaydes and Alexandria Wright are also parents to a young daughter, adding another layer of joy and responsibility to their lives. Parenthood is a role that Blaydes takes seriously, often sharing glimpses of his family life on social media.
His daughter is a significant part of his life, and it’s clear that she brings immense happiness to both Blaydes and Wright.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Curtis Blaydes?
Ans: Curtis Blaydes is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Known for his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound style, Blaydes has established himself as a top contender in the division.
2. How old is Curtis Blaydes?
Ans: Curtis Blaydes was born on February 18, 1991, which makes him 33 years old as of 2024.
3. What is Curtis Blaydes’ MMA career record?
Ans: As of 2024, Curtis Blaydes has an MMA record of [specific wins, losses, and draws]. He has faced some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division and is known for his victories over fighters like Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos.
4. What is Curtis Blaydes’ net worth in 2024?
Ans: Curtis Blaydes’ estimated net worth in 2024 is around [specific amount], primarily earned from his UFC fight purses, bonuses, sponsorships, and endorsements.
5. What are some of Curtis Blaydes’ career highlights?
Ans: Some of Curtis Blaydes’ career highlights include his victories over top-ranked heavyweights, multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, and his status as a perennial contender in the UFC’s heavyweight division. He is particularly known for his dominant wrestling and ability to finish fights on the ground.
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