Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a breakthrough UFC fighter in 2025, recently signed a life-changing contract and hopes to fight once more this year to bolster his career and the heavyweight division’s reputation.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is making waves in the MMA world in 2025. He’s eager to squeeze in another fight before the year wraps up.
Just last weekend, Cortes-Acosta stunned fans by finishing Shamil Gaziev in the first round at UFC Qatar. He took the fight on just three days’ notice. Talk about last-minute! Flying from the Dominican Republic to Arizona, then off to Doha, Qatar, he arrived just in time for the weigh-ins.
Before stepping into the octagon, Cortes-Acosta signed a life-changing contract with the UFC. “I got a new contract, literally, the night before [the fight],” he revealed to MMA Fighting. His heart raced with excitement, thinking of his family in the Dominican Republic and the opportunities ahead.
Helping his family is a big motivator. “I try to help my whole family, little by little,” he shared. Success for him means success for them too.
This year, Cortes-Acosta has fought five times. He’s eyeing the Dec. 13 Fight Night event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. His coach, Javier Torres, mentioned that the UFC is actively searching for an opponent for his sixth fight.
Staying active is crucial for Cortes-Acosta. It boosts his brand and elevates the UFC’s heavyweight division. “I want to carry heavyweight on my back,” he declared. Online critics? He’s not a fan. “When you’re talking about heavyweight, you’re talking about me, too.”
He’s been sending messages to UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall. Cortes-Acosta hopes Aspinall will soon face Ciryl Gane again after their last bout ended in a no-contest.
“I told him he needs to be ready because I [am coming] for him,” Cortes-Acosta said. He’s ready for a title shot and is eager for Aspinall to be fit for their future clash.