Waldo Cortes-Acosta, the Dominican heavyweight known as "Salsa Boy," delivered a decisive first-round stoppage of Ante Delija at UFC Vegas 110, securing a significant win that momentarily overshadowed the broader narrative of the event. However, his victory, which came under unusual circumstances following an eye poke and subsequent restart, was soon eclipsed by renewed concerns surrounding alleged fight-fixing on the same fight card, prompting Cortes-Acosta to unequivocally state his commitment to the sport’s integrity.

The fight between Cortes-Acosta and Delija was a notable moment of the night, marking "Salsa Boy’s" third victory in his four appearances in 2024. The co-main event saw a dramatic turn when Delija initially appeared to secure a TKO. However, replays confirmed that Cortes-Acosta had suffered an accidental eye poke just moments before the sequence that led to the stoppage. After a brief review by officials, the bout was restarted, allowing Cortes-Acosta to recover and ultimately secure the official finish in the first round. This hard-fought win pushed his professional record to 12-1, showcasing his resilience and power within the heavyweight division.

Yet, the focus of the mixed martial arts (MMA) gambling community, and subsequently the broader UFC audience, had already shifted to an earlier featherweight contest between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle. Prior to the fight, observers noted a rapid and significant movement in the betting lines. Initial odds, which might have reflected a more balanced matchup, swung heavily in favor of del Valle, attracting substantial wagering. The bout concluded with del Valle securing a first-round submission victory over Dulgarian, a result that, in conjunction with the unusual betting patterns, immediately fueled allegations of fight-fixing.

These allegations have since escalated into a major storyline within the UFC landscape, drawing parallels to previous controversies that have cast shadows over the sport’s integrity. When asked about the unfolding situation, Cortes-Acosta, speaking to MMA Fighting after his win, maintained a clear stance, emphasizing his personal values above any potential illicit gains.

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"I don’t know what’s happening," Cortes-Acosta stated, appearing to distance himself from the specifics of the betting scandal. "I don’t know, man. I’m here for fighting, that’s it." He then delivered a powerful statement regarding his personal code: "I wouldn’t sell myself for any money in the f*cking world because my integrity, and my ego is too much to try and lose a fight because I needed money, or something like that." His comments underscore a fundamental principle in combat sports: the uncompromisable nature of a fighter’s will to win and the respect for the competition. "I don’t know about that, [or] what [those] people are doing. I don’t really pay attention too much," he concluded, reinforcing his focus on his athletic pursuits rather than external controversies.

In the immediate aftermath of the Dulgarian-del Valle fight and the ensuing allegations, the UFC acted swiftly. Isaac Dulgarian was released from the promotion, and UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that an official investigation is underway. While the specifics of the investigation remain confidential, the UFC’s prompt response signals a firm stance against any activities that could compromise the legitimacy of its events. This proactive measure is crucial for maintaining trust among fans, fighters, and regulatory bodies in an era of expanding legal sports betting.

This is not an isolated incident for the UFC, which has previously grappled with similar integrity issues. A notable precedent occurred in November 2022, involving the lightweight bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Vegas 64. That fight was flagged for highly suspicious betting activity, specifically a dramatic shift in odds favoring Nuerdanbieke. Hours before the bout, Nuerdanbieke’s odds surged from a -220 favorite to an overwhelming -420 favorite, a movement that is highly unusual without new, publicly available information impacting the fighters’ readiness or health. Minner was subsequently stopped in just 70 seconds.

The fallout from the Minner-Nuerdanbieke incident was significant and far-reaching. The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC), the primary regulatory body for combat sports in Nevada, launched an investigation that led to severe consequences. Darrick Minner, along with his then-head coach James Krause, were indefinitely suspended by the NAC. Minner was subsequently released from the UFC. Furthermore, the UFC took unprecedented steps to effectively ban Krause, a respected former fighter and highly successful coach, from participating in any future events with the promotion. The organization also implemented policies preventing any fighter who continued to work with Krause from competing in the UFC, demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach to individuals implicated in such scandals. This move sent a clear message across the MMA community about the severe repercussions of involvement in fight-fixing schemes.

For Cortes-Acosta, his steadfast position against compromising his integrity stems from deeply ingrained personal values. He elaborated on how his upbringing shaped his perspective on money and self-respect. "Yeah, I was born in one family, money is not more important than how serious you can be for the people, and for the people to see you serious you are to be yourself," Cortes-Acosta explained, highlighting a core belief in authenticity and reputation over financial gain. "This is how I grew up. I have a Dad who was really strict about that, and he don’t like that kind of deal. It’s too much for him." He concluded by emphasizing the familial expectation: "And me being his son, he wouldn’t want me to have a situation like that." These statements reveal a strong moral compass, forged by parental guidance, that prioritizes honor and self-worth above any monetary enticement.

Cortes-Acosta’s professional journey in 2024 has been remarkably active, reflecting his dedication to his career. His win over Delija marked his fourth fight of the year. Prior to this, he secured two other victories, demonstrating consistent performance. His sole loss in 2024 came against former title challenger Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Shanghai, a bout he lost by unanimous decision. This defeat against a top-tier contender showcased his willingness to face elite competition, further cementing his reputation as a committed fighter. Looking ahead, the 34-year-old heavyweight has expressed his ambition to compete for a fifth time before the year concludes, aiming for a December return to the octagon. Such an active schedule is a testament to his focus on athletic achievement and progress within the UFC’s competitive heavyweight division, providing a stark contrast to the integrity concerns plaguing other aspects of the sport.

The ongoing investigations into alleged fight-fixing underscore a critical challenge for the UFC and the broader combat sports industry. As sports betting becomes increasingly legalized and integrated into the fan experience, the vigilance required to protect the integrity of the contests becomes paramount. The UFC’s swift actions and Cortes-Acosta’s principled stance serve as important affirmations of the values that underpin legitimate competition, even as the sport grapples with the complexities introduced by the burgeoning betting market.

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