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COLUMBUS, Ohio \u2013 Curtis Blaydes<\/a> is again to his ending methods \u2013 and he thinks he\u2019s prepared for the subsequent step up.<\/p>\n At UFC on ESPN 33<\/a>, Blaydes (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) knocked fellow heavyweight contender Chris Daukaus<\/a> (12-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) unconscious in Round 2<\/a> and cemented his spot on the prime of the division. The win was huge, and Blaydes thinks it seemingly earned him a shot at one of many heavyweight weight class\u2019 prime canine.<\/p>\n \u201cA win over (Ciryl) Gane, who was on a scorching streak, who was simply in a title battle, a win over him ought to put me as the subsequent title contender \u2013 the identical factor with Stipe (Miocic),\u201d Blaydes instructed MMA Junkie at a post-fight information convention. \u201cHe\u2019s the G.O.A.T., in my view. He\u2019s the G.O.A.T. of this heavyweight division. He truthfully deserved a rematch some time in the past. But when he\u2019s prepared to danger it in opposition to me, and I beat him, that\u2019s the identical factor. A title shot for me can be the identical factor after beating Gane or Stipe.\u201d<\/p>\n Blaydes has historical past with Miocic \u2013 however not in a heated, rivalry-heavy method. Nearly a decade in the past, Blaydes, a younger rising fighter within the skilled ranks, skilled with established UFC title Miocic. Nevertheless, so much has occurred since then that might make issues fascinating, in keeping with Blaydes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe labored out collectively, years in the past once I was not superb,\u201d Blaydes stated. \u201cHe destroyed me each sparring. I don\u2019t don’t have any superior sparring tales. He was ranges and ranges above me. I helped him prepare for Gonzaga. That was again in 2012. I had simply begun my beginner profession in that yr.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026 I respect him, however I consider I\u2019m on his stage. I consider I can take him down. I do know I can take him down as a result of I did take him down. However I additionally consider, if we get in a hanging battle, I can strike with him. I\u2019ve acquired the footwork. I\u2019ve acquired the acumen. I consider in my coaches. I do know I can cling with anyone on the toes.\u201d<\/p>\n UFC on ESPN 33 happened Saturday at Nationwide Enviornment in Columbus, Ohio. Try Blaydes\u2019 full post-fight information convention within the video above.<\/p>\n