Stipe Miocic is in the crowd, and after his knockout of Chris Daukaus, Curtis Blaydes sent a message to him. (1:13)
One of the most unapologetic wrestlers in the UFC decided to show off his hands on Saturday.
In the main event of UFC Fight Night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, a former collegiate wrestler, Blaydes, produced a highlight-reel finish over Chris Daukaus. The finish came 17 seconds into the second round, when Blaydes dropped Daukaus with a powerful straight right and finished him off with strikes on the ground.
Blaydes, who has embraced his identity as a wrestler throughout his career, admitted he wanted to make a statement on Saturday and said he knew he was expected to wrestle.
Blaydes wanted to make a statement about the situation. That slows you down. You are waiting for me to wrestle. I want to do both. I saw the opportunity and it worked.
Blaydes wants an interim title fight against either Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic.
Blaydes told Stipe that he might have to beat him.
Francis Ngannou is the current undisputed title holder and he just had knee surgery. He is not expected to fight again for a while. The UFC hasn't officially announced its plans for the division, but there is a chance for an interim championship.
Blaydes gave the promotion something to think about. He did not attempt a single takedown against the man, relying on his boxing skills and low leg kicks. He hurt the Philadelphia native with a right hand in the first round and then put him away in the second.
In the final sequence, the man who has eight career finishes inside the first round managed to land a right hand of his own, but it was a split second behind the one thrown by Blaydes. The fight could have been called immediately, as Daukaus crumpled from the shot and couldn't do anything.
Blaydes has won six bouts in a row. His losses have been big, however he has been consistent throughout his career. He was finished twice by Ngannou and once by Lewis.
Blaydes has seven finishes in the UFC.
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