LAS VEGAS — Curtis Blaydes was hanging on for dear life and he was sucking air badly as his bout with Alexander Volkov wound down. Blaydes’ wrestling dominated the Fight Night bout, but he wasn’t able to get that kind of spectacular victory that would have boosted his argument that he deserves a title shot soon.
Blaydes won by scores of 49-45, 48-47 and 48-46, but it wasn’t exciting and it wasn’t the kind of performance that would have forced UFC president Dana White’s hand.
Champion Stipe Miocic will defend his belt against former champion Daniel Cormier in the main event of UFC 252 on Aug.