5 reasons why Curtis Blaydes is the UFC's most underrated heavyweight

#2. Curtis Blaydes is a horrible match for a number of the UFC’s top heavyweights

Curtis Blaydes' takedown-heavy style makes him a difficult match for anyone in the heavyweight division

While his fighting style isn’t always that fan-friendly – five of his 10 octagon wins have come via decision, including his last two five-round victories – it’s safe to say that Curtis Blaydes’ style could be seen as kryptonite for a number of his heavyweight rivals.

After all, of the other fighters currently entrenched in the UFC’s top 10, who could stop his takedowns? Stipe Miocic might have the wrestling ability, while Francis Ngannou appears to be capable based on his most recent bouts.

Outside of those two, however, the likes of Tai Tuivasa and Ciryl Gane could well find themselves up against it in a battle with ‘Razor’, while he’s already beaten Alexander Volkov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

While Derrick Lewis knocked Blaydes out in their fight in 2021, it’s probably fair to say that with a more careful gameplan, ‘Razor’ could definitely win a rematch with ‘The Black Beast’.

Therefore, given that his style could definitely lead him to wins over the majority of the UFC’s other heavyweights, it’s probably not a stretch to suggest that he’s largely underrated by the fans, some of whom seem to have largely written him off.

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#1. Curtis Blaydes is the best wrestler in the UFC heavyweight division

Curtis Blaydes has landed more takedowns than any other heavyweight in UFC history

When it comes to the best wrestler to ever compete in the UFC’s heavyweight division, some obvious names instantly come to mind.

Old-school fans might name Dan Severn, Mark Coleman or Randy Couture, while younger fans would probably point to Cain Velasquez or Brock Lesnar. Despite the majority of his big wins coming on the feet, Stipe Miocic would probably be in the conversation, too.

Strangely, many fans would probably fail to name Curtis Blaydes among those fighters, despite the fact that there’s an argument for him being not only the best wrestler in the division right now, but the best in the division’s history, period.

No heavyweight in UFC history has landed more takedowns than Blaydes, who has delivered a total of 62 during his 14-fight career with the promotion. In fact, he has nearly double the total of his nearest competitor, Cain Velasquez, who delivered 34 during his octagon tenure.

More to the point, Blaydes lands his takedowns at a 53.9% success rate, meaning that whenever he attempts to ground an opponent, it usually works. In fact, only Ngannou, in his second fight with ‘Razor’, and Derrick Lewis were able to stop him.

Given the success that high-level wrestlers tend to have in the UFC, it’s baffling that fans don’t seem to see Blaydes as a clear title contender right now, making him the heavyweight division’s most underrated star.