How a former high school wrestler became a dominant force in UFC heavyweight history
In short: Curtis Blaydes transitioned from an undefeated high school wrestling star to a top-ranked UFC heavyweight contender. Known for his elite grappling, he currently holds multiple divisional records, including the most takedowns and control time in UFC history, proving that specialized wrestling skills remain a formidable weapon in modern mixed martial arts.
Born in Naperville, Illinois, in 1991, Curtis Blaydes built his foundation on the wrestling mat. At the De La Salle Institute in Chicago, he compiled an undefeated 44–0 record during his senior year, finishing his high school career with 95 wins and 121 takedowns. This success earned him a full scholarship to Northern Illinois University, though he eventually transitioned to Harper College and later left academia entirely to pursue professional mixed martial arts.
Since entering the UFC in 2016, Blaydes has established himself as a statistical anomaly in the heavyweight division. As of September 2026, he holds the record for the most takedowns landed in divisional history with 70, alongside the most control time at 1:31:19 and the most top position time at 1:08:36. His ability to dictate where a fight takes place is underscored by his performance against Alexander Volkov in 2020, where he landed 14 takedowns, a single-fight record for the division.
While his career has been defined by his wrestling-heavy approach, Blaydes has also demonstrated significant striking volume. In his April 2026 bout against Josh Hokit, he set a UFC record for the most combined significant strikes in a heavyweight fight, landing 174 of 351 total attempts. Despite facing setbacks, including losses in high-profile bouts against Francis Ngannou and Tom Aspinall, Blaydes remains a fixture in the rankings, tied for the fourth-most wins in UFC heavyweight history with 14 victories.
The evolution of Blaydes's career reflects the broader tactical shifts in heavyweight MMA. His reliance on takedowns and top control has made him a difficult stylistic matchup for many opponents, yet his willingness to engage in high-volume striking exchanges—as seen in his Fight of the Year contender against Hokit—shows a versatile approach. As he continues to compete, his legacy is increasingly defined by these enduring statistical benchmarks.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Curtis Blaydes
- Also: Wikidata — Curtis Blaydes · CC0
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