5 biggest takeaways from UFC on ESPN 11: Is Dana Whites criticism of Curtis Blaydes too much? – MMA Junkie

What mattered most at UFC on ESPN 11 in Las Vegas? Here are a few post-fight musings …

* * * * *

Blaydes said later he’s accepted his role as “the heel.” That’s an intriguing label to place on himself, mainly since it’s not totally true. From an expert fumbling context, the heel is someone who intentionally attempts to be done not like by fans. Blaydes may be enjoying the hate, but he also can’t run any other way.

It would be an enormous injustice for Blaydes to overlook his biggest strength as the superior grappler whenever he can. His previous battle with Junior Dos Santos showed Blaydes can handle himself standing if required, and while he did show some moment of vulnerability against Volkov standing, he had the ability to go to his grappling generally whenever he wanted.

Curtis Blaydes is taking a curious technique to his career right now. No one is going to sit here and argue his consentaneous decision win over Alexander Volkov was the most exciting of fights, and Blaydes is under no illusions that was the case.

1. Curtis Blaydes states he’s ‘the heel’

Blaydes has made it clear he’s going to use this very same technique no matter the opponent or stakes. That might bring him into some extra obstacles as he tries to claim the UFC heavyweight title, however Blaydes seems to recognize he can just be denied for so long.

from WordPress http://troot.net/5-biggest-takeaways-from-ufc-on-espn-11-is-dana-whites-criticism-of-curtis-blaydes-too-much-mma-junkie/