5 biggest takeaways from UFC on ESPN+ 24: What to think of Curtis Blaydes as a legit contender

Thoughts and analysis of the biggest storylines coming out of UFC Raleigh, where Curtis Blaydes made a statement. But was it big enough?

2. Blaydes’ perception not reality

Speaking of the heavyweight title picture, that thing is a bit of a mess. All signs point to the anticipated trilogy between champion Stipe Miocic and former titleholder Daniel Cormier going down this year, but Miocic is beginning to play some games, so it remains to be seen what happens.

Even if something were to happen to that fight, though, Blaydes is not next in line, despite him thinking to the contrary. His three-fight winning streak is nice, but it doesn’t much compare to the three-fight streak of Francis Ngannou or the four-fight run of Jairzinho Rozenstruik, whom face off with each other at UFC on ESPN 8 in March.

Never mind the fact Blaydes has two stoppage losses to Ngannou; there’s no way he could get a title shot first unless “The Predator” suffers a defeat. It’s possible that happens, but it’s not in Blaydes’ interest to wait for it. His focus should be on getting more wins and more experience, and eventually his opportunity will come.

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