UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes will not compete again this year after undergoing surgery for a meniscus injury suffered in his most recent fight.
Blaydes’ last appearance came on June 21 at UFC on ABC 8 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he edged out Rizvan Kuniev by split decision. The bout turned out to be more competitive than many expected, but Blaydes got his hand raised. Unfortunately for fans hoping to see him again in 2025, that victory will stand as his lone appearance of the year.
“I’m going to be out the rest of the year,” Blaydes said during a fan Q&A before UFC 319 in Chicago. “I injured my meniscus in my last fight. I probably won’t be back until January. … I’ll be out for eight weeks, but I’m hoping to be back by January.”
The 34-year-old has remained a constant presence near the top of the heavyweight division for years. While he’s consistently shown championship potential, his title ambitions have often been derailed just as he’s gotten close. Still, Blaydes holds notable wins over top contenders and has proven resilient, keeping his name in the mix among the division’s elite.
In his past four outings, Blaydes has gone 2-2, with victories over Kuniev and Jailton Almeida, while suffering defeats to Sergei Pavlovich and reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. By the time Blaydes returns in early 2026, the division landscape could look very different, with Aspinall set to defend the undisputed title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 320.
Blaydes welcomed the movement in the division following Jon Jones’ retirement and the subsequent vacancy of the title.
“I’m happy that the heavyweight division is starting to move along. We don’t got to worry about Jon Jones no more,” Blaydes said. “I think Aspinall beats Gane.”
Blaydes’ recovery will keep him sidelined through the rest of 2025, but his return early next year ensures that he will still have an opportunity to chase the gold he has long sought.
