TLDR
- Curtis Blaydes will fight Josh Hokit in a heavyweight bout at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026 in Miami
- Blaydes is a slight favorite at -138 odds while Hokit comes in at +108 as the underdog
- The 35-year-old Blaydes looked slower in his last fight against Rizvan Kuniev but suffered a knee injury
- The 28-year-old Hokit has won all eight of his professional fights by stoppage
- Experts predict Blaydes will use his experience and wrestling to win by decision
Full Card Odds – UFC 327
| Fight | Fighter 1 | Odds | Fighter 2 | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Jiri Prochazka | -125 | Carlos Ulberg | +105 |
| Co-Main | Azamat Murzakanov | -185 | Paulo Costa | +154 |
| Main Card | Curtis Blaydes | -130 | Josh Hokit | +110 |
| Main Card | Dominick Reyes | -130 | Johnny Walker | +110 |
| Main Card | Cub Swanson | +102 | Nate Landwehr | -122 |
Fight Time – UFC 327
| Time Zone | Start Time |
|---|---|
| ET (Miami, local) | 9:15 PM |
| CT | 8:15 PM |
| MT | 7:15 PM |
| PT | 6:15 PM |
| GMT | 1:15 AM (Sun) |
| AEST | 11:15 AM (Sun) |
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 TV/Streaming: Paramount+
Up next… UFC 327 🔥
1–10, how good is this card? 👀
📸: @Match_Maker_MMA#UFC327 #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/jeu23kjwkD
— The Fight Fanatic (@FightFanatic_) April 5, 2026
Sources: mmamania.com | sports.betmgm.com | sports.yahoo.com
Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit will face off in a heavyweight bout at UFC 327 this Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The matchup pits veteran experience against rising youth in one of the division’s most intriguing contests.
Blaydes enters the fight as a slight favorite with -138 odds, while Hokit is listed at +108 according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The former title challenger stands at a crossroads in his career at age 35.
The veteran looked slower than usual in his last appearance against Rizvan Kuniev, though he did suffer a knee injury during that contest. It remains unclear whether that performance represents a decline or simply an off night for “Razor.”
Hokit Brings Speed and Aggression
The 28-year-old Hokit represents one of the few young talents rising through the heavyweight division. All eight of his professional victories have come by stoppage, showcasing his finishing ability.
Hokit follows a high-pace strategy similar to former champion Cain Velasquez, using his athleticism to overwhelm opponents. His collegiate wrestling background provides a solid foundation, but his general athleticism has been his greatest asset in the UFC so far.
The younger fighter has enjoyed wrestling and size advantages in his previous matchups. This bout represents a major step up in competition, as Blaydes is significantly larger and more experienced.
Size and Reach Advantage for Blaydes
Blaydes possesses an 80-inch reach and brings strong wrestling credentials to the octagon. He has built his career as a wrestler who has worked to improve his striking over time.
The veteran has shown flashes of solid boxing, including his knockout victory over Junior dos Santos. However, his striking can appear limited when his wrestling and boxing don’t flow together smoothly.
Experts believe Blaydes should use his jab to keep Hokit at distance and time his takedowns carefully. If Hokit tries to rush forward with his usual aggression, he could walk into straight punches or give up takedowns to the bigger man.
The betting odds reflect the close nature of this matchup. A Blaydes knockout victory is listed at +230, while a decision win sits at +270. For Hokit, a knockout pays +260 and a decision victory offers +550.
Analysts point out that UFC heavyweight matchmaking often throws young prospects into difficult matchups too quickly. The division’s history shows that experience carries extra weight at heavyweight, where older fighters have traditionally dominated.
Hokit has never faced an opponent with better wrestling than himself. His entire game plan relies on being the more physical fighter in the cage.
The young prospect will need to show more technical depth than he has displayed so far. He cannot simply crash forward with combinations against an opponent who wants to take him down.
Blaydes faces questions about whether he remains a top contender or if age is catching up to him. A convincing win over Hokit would answer some of those doubts and keep him in the title picture.
Both fighters faced off at the UFC 327 press conference on April 9 at the Kaseya Center. The weigh-ins and final preparations will take place on Friday, April 10, one day before the fight.
