I want to remember my daughter's birthday when she's 18. I don't want to forget it. I don't want to forget her name. I don't want to forget where I put my car keys every day. The best way for me to do that is to protect myself. The best way to protect myself in the Octagon is simple: If I put you on your butt, you can't hit me hard.

In this quote, Curtis Blaydes expresses a deep personal commitment to preserving his memory and maintaining his well-being. He references specific moments and details of life that are important to him, such as remembering his daughter's birthday, her name, and even mundane things like where he puts his car keys. This highlights his desire to protect not only his cognitive health but also the ability to cherish and remember the meaningful aspects of his life.

Blaydes connects his memory and overall protection to his profession as a mixed martial artist, specifically in the Octagon, where physical safety is paramount. He acknowledges that the best way for him to protect himself in the ring is through his fighting strategy—by using his strength and skills to take his opponent down and prevent them from delivering powerful blows. The idea is simple: by gaining control of the fight and placing his opponent on the ground, he reduces the risk of receiving damaging strikes.

This quote underscores the broader theme of self-preservation and how Blaydes views his physical health and safety as integral to his long-term well-being. His commitment to remembering important life moments is tied directly to his ability to maintain his physical integrity in the ring, where the risks are high. Blaydes' approach to self-protection reflects the balance he seeks between his professional life and personal priorities.

Ultimately, Blaydes uses the Octagon metaphor to express his belief that proactive, strategic measures—whether in the ring or in life—are essential for safeguarding what truly matters. In this case, by ensuring his own safety in combat, he can preserve the memories and relationships that are central to his life outside of it.