Ali Akbar Rosady
Doha, Qatar – Dominican heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a breakout star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s 2025 campaign, recently inked a lucrative new contract with the promotion just hours before delivering a decisive first-round knockout victory over Shamil Gaziev at UFC Qatar. The agreement, described by Cortes-Acosta as "life-changing," underscores the UFC’s confidence in the rapidly ascending fighter known as "Salsa Boy," who is now actively pursuing a sixth fight before the close of the year and publicly staking his claim as the future of the heavyweight division.
Cortes-Acosta’s triumph over Gaziev was not merely another win; it was a testament to his resilience and burgeoning potential, achieved under extraordinary circumstances. Taking the bout on an exceptionally short notice of just three days, Cortes-Acosta embarked on a grueling international journey that began in the Dominican Republic, routed through Arizona, and culminated in Doha, Qatar. His arrival in the Middle Eastern nation coincided almost precisely with the official weigh-ins, a logistical challenge that would deter many seasoned professionals. Despite the arduous travel and minimal preparation, Cortes-Acosta dispatched Gaziev with a swiftness that belied the adversity faced. The victory marked his fifth professional outing in 2025, a remarkable pace for any fighter, let alone one competing in the demanding heavyweight class.
The financial and professional implications of the new contract are profound for Cortes-Acosta. Speaking to MMA Fighting, he revealed the emotional weight of the moment: "I got a new contract, literally, the night before [the fight]. When I signed that new contract, my heart was [beating] out of my chest. I tried to control my breathing, like, ‘Ok, this is real, this is real because I wasn’t ready for that. It surprised me, and I was very happy. Very happy with that." This new multi-fight agreement is expected to significantly enhance his earning potential, providing a level of financial stability often sought by athletes at the pinnacle of their sport. For Cortes-Acosta, the benefits extend beyond personal gain. "I’m thinking about everything about my life, my family in Dominican Republic, my family here, everybody’s life can change a little bit. I try to help my whole family, little by little, growing up. [If I grow], I want my family to grow with me, too. It set me for my life," he elaborated, highlighting the deep-seated motivation that drives his relentless pursuit of success inside the octagon.
Cortes-Acosta’s journey to the UFC’s heavyweight elite has been marked by consistent activity and a rapid improvement trajectory. After earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in late 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision victory, he has steadily built his professional record. In 2025, his activity has been particularly notable. Prior to his recent win over Gaziev (who entered the bout with a professional record of 12-1, having recently debuted in the UFC with a strong performance), Cortes-Acosta had already accumulated four victories throughout the year. These included dominant performances against opponents such as Marcos Rogério de Lima in March, where he showcased his striking prowess, and a hard-fought decision win over Sergey Spivak in July, demonstrating his ability to go the distance against ranked competition. His TKO victory over Augusto Sakai in September further solidified his standing as a dangerous contender, pushing his overall professional record to an impressive 15-1. This consistent run of form has seen him climb the official UFC heavyweight rankings, positioning him within striking distance of the division’s upper echelon.
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The aspiration for a sixth fight in 2025 underlines Cortes-Acosta’s unique commitment to activity in a division often criticized for its slower pace. Heavyweight bouts, characterized by their high impact and potential for devastating finishes, typically necessitate longer recovery periods between fights. Most top-tier heavyweights compete two to three times annually, making Cortes-Acosta’s proposed six-fight year an outlier and a testament to his physical conditioning and eagerness. His head coach, Javier Torres, confirmed that the UFC is actively exploring options for a Dec. 13 Fight Night event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. "The UFC is already working on trying to find an opponent for his sixth fight of the year," Torres stated, expressing optimism for an announcement within days. This level of activity not only elevates Cortes-Acosta’s brand but also contributes to the overall vibrancy of the heavyweight division, a point he passionately articulates.
Cortes-Acosta has openly expressed his ambition to revitalize the heavyweight landscape. "I said in the [post-fight] interview, I want to carry heavyweight on my back and push it through," he declared. This statement reflects a desire to challenge the narrative surrounding the division, which has occasionally drawn criticism for perceived stagnation or lack of consistent contenders. "I don’t like to hear the people on the internet talking shit about my ranking. It’s hard with me seeing somebody saying, ‘Oh, the heavyweight [division’s] shit, heavyweight is something, heavyweight is that,’ because when you’re talking about heavyweight, you’re talking about me, too," he added, emphasizing his personal investment in the division’s reputation. This commitment to maintaining a high profile and delivering exciting performances is a strategic move, positioning him as a potential flag-bearer for a division rich in history but sometimes slow in evolution.
Central to Cortes-Acosta’s long-term vision is a collision course with the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Tom Aspinall. Aspinall, who secured the interim heavyweight title in late 2024 with a spectacular knockout, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic heavyweights in the sport. Cortes-Acosta has consistently sent messages to the UK standout, urging him to return to the octagon for a highly anticipated rematch with Ciryl Gane. The first encounter between Aspinall and Gane, which took place earlier in 2025 for the undisputed title, ended in a controversial no-contest following an accidental eye poke from Gane, leaving the divisional hierarchy somewhat unsettled. While acknowledging the need for patience, Cortes-Acosta is unwavering in his belief that he will eventually stand opposite Aspinall inside the octagon. "I told him he needs to be ready because I [am coming] for him," Cortes-Acosta asserted. "They need to show that people want to see him good and healthy. Can he do a fight? Can he do a rematch very fast? Because Waldo is ready for the chance at a title shot."
With his sights firmly set on the divisional apex, Cortes-Acosta’s trajectory suggests he is on a direct path to contention. His current ranking, likely to rise further after the Gaziev victory, places him among the top fifteen heavyweights globally. A potential sixth win in 2025 would undoubtedly propel him into the top ten, making a matchup against a higher-ranked opponent, such as Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, or even the former champion Stipe Miocic, a realistic prospect for early 2026. The heavyweight division, which also includes the likes of former undisputed champion Jon Jones (currently sidelined with injury) and Sergei Pavlovich, offers a competitive landscape. Cortes-Acosta’s blend of activity, knockout power, and clear ambition positions him as a significant force, ready to challenge the established order and potentially reshape the division’s future. His immediate focus remains on securing an opponent for the Dec. 13 card, a crucial step in his relentless march toward a championship opportunity.
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