Curtis Blaydes understands Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane booking but admits 'it wasn’t based off meritocracy'

The UFC heavyweight title picture finally has clarity, but some questions remain about the top of the division – one of them being, what’s next for Curtis Blaydes?

With Francis Ngannou released from the promotion and Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane on tap for UFC 285, Blaydes reacted to the news for the first time Sunday on social media. Blaydes indicated that he understands the thought process behind the UFC’s decision and predicted a bout vs. surging contender Sergei Pavlovich will be next for him.

“Obviously I’ve seen the news, Gane is getting another title shot vs. Jones,” Blaydes wrote on Facebook. “Most likely I’ll be getting the Pavolich who just beat Tuivasa. That’s cool with me, I get why Gane got the shot and it wasn’t based off meritocracy and that’s not a news flash, the UFC is always gonna to match make based off who puts the most asses in the stands and eyes on the fight. I hope I’ll only need one more win to prove I can put asses in the stands and get a title shot.”

Blaydes, 31, has won three fights in a row and seven of his past eight. He has not competed since a July victory over Tom Aspinall, which ended in a TKO due to injury.

Sources close to the situation told MMA Junkie in November that Blaydes was on the short list to fight Jones at UFC 285. However, the promotion ultimately decided on Gane after he was cleared to return from injury.

With the Jones fight off the table, Blaydes indicated his return fight, if not Pavlovich, will have to be an opponent ranked above him.

“Long as my next opponent is ranked higher than me (which somehow Pavlovich is now) I’m down to fight,” Blaydes wrote on Instagram.

Blaydes sits at No. 4 in the promotion’s official rankings. Gane, Pavlovich, and former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic are the three fighters above him. Miocic, who has largely remained away from the fight game since March 2021, indicated Sunday he has his sights set on the Jones vs. Gane winner.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285.