Curtis Lionell Blaydes Bio
Curtis Lionell Blaydes is an American professional mixed martial artist born on February 18, 1991, in Naperville, Illinois. He competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has been active professionally since 2014. Known for his wrestling background and knockout power, Blaydes has established himself as a top contender in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Blaydes was born and raised in Naperville and nearby Chicago, Illinois, alongside four siblings. He excelled in wrestling at the De La Salle Institute, where he won a state title his senior year with an undefeated 44–0 record. Over his high school career, he compiled a 95–18 record with 121 takedowns. In addition to wrestling, Blaydes played defensive end on the football team. He earned a full wrestling scholarship to Northern Illinois University and later transferred to Harper College, where he won the NJCAA National Championship as a redshirt sophomore. After beginning amateur mixed martial arts, he left school to pursue a professional MMA career.
Path to MMA
Before turning professional, Blaydes compiled an 8–0 amateur MMA record. He began his pro career in 2014, quickly achieving a 5–0 record with all wins by technical knockout. His wrestling skills and striking power helped him gain recognition, leading to his signing with the UFC. Blaydes initially trained with Dutch Style MMA and UFC Gym Lombard before joining the Elevation Fight Team in 2016, where he currently trains.
Curtis Blaydes Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Blaydes began his professional career in 2014, rapidly building a perfect record with five consecutive TKO victories. His dominant performances showcased his wrestling base and striking ability, earning him a contract with the UFC. Early in his UFC tenure, Blaydes faced tough competition and gained valuable experience that shaped his development as a heavyweight contender.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Blaydes made his UFC debut against Francis Ngannou in April 2016 but lost via TKO due to doctor stoppage. He rebounded with a second-round TKO win over Cody East, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. Throughout 2017 and 2018, Blaydes secured notable victories over fighters such as Daniel Omielańczuk, Mark Hunt, and Alistair Overeem, the latter earning him another Performance of the Night award. Despite a rematch loss to Ngannou in 2018, Blaydes continued to climb the heavyweight rankings with wins over Justin Willis, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Junior dos Santos, and Alexander Volkov. He faced Derrick Lewis in 2021 but suffered a knockout loss. Blaydes then signed a new UFC contract and recorded wins against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Chris Daukaus, and Tom Aspinall. In 2023, he lost to Sergei Pavlovich but rebounded with a TKO win over Derrick Lewis in 2024, earning another Performance of the Night bonus. He challenged for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship in July 2024 but was knocked out early in the fight. In 2025, Blaydes won a split decision against Rizvan Kuniev.
Elevation Fight Team Era (2016–Present)
Since joining Elevation Fight Team in 2016, Blaydes has developed his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches and training partners. This period has been marked by consistent performances and improvements in his striking and wrestling. His partnership with the team has been instrumental in maintaining his position among the UFC heavyweight elite.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Blaydes is known for his dominant wrestling, utilizing his collegiate wrestling background to control opponents and secure takedowns. His knockout power complements his grappling, allowing him to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground. His reach of 203 cm and height of 193 cm give him physical advantages in striking exchanges. Blaydes employs a pressure-heavy style, combining relentless wrestling with effective striking to overwhelm opponents.
Notable Events and Milestones
Blaydes has earned multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, highlighting his ability to deliver exciting finishes. Key milestones include his victories over former champions and top contenders, as well as his challenge for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. His resilience and ability to rebound from losses have defined his career trajectory.
Curtis Blaydes Career Wins
As of 2025, Curtis Blaydes holds a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 5 losses. His victories include 5 by knockout, 6 by decision, and 1 by disqualification. He has yet to secure a win by submission. Blaydes’ consistent winning performances have established him as a formidable heavyweight in the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Blaydes has achieved numerous wins in the UFC heavyweight division, including notable stoppages against high-profile opponents. His first UFC win came via TKO against Cody East, and his most recent significant victory was a technical knockout over Derrick Lewis in 2024. He has participated in several main events and earned multiple performance bonuses throughout his UFC tenure.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Blaydes compiled an undefeated amateur record and a perfect start to his professional career with five TKO wins. He also won the NJCAA National Wrestling Championship during his collegiate wrestling career, underscoring his grappling credentials.
Curtis Blaydes Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Blaydes was raised in a family with four siblings in Illinois. Publicly available information confirms that he has a daughter. Details about his marital status or spouse have not been disclosed. He currently resides in Lakewood, Colorado, where he trains and lives with his family.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Curtis Blaydes continued to compete at the highest level in the UFC heavyweight division. He secured a split decision win against Rizvan Kuniev at UFC on ABC 8, demonstrating his resilience and tactical approach. Despite some controversy over the decision, Blaydes maintained his position in the top rankings. His season included a challenging fight schedule and ongoing development within the Elevation Fight Team. Looking ahead, Blaydes aims to capitalize on his experience and secure further victories to contend for the heavyweight title once again.