Fans have long been clamoring for more heavyweights to make themselves known in the UFC. It’s often considered one of the weakest divisions in the entire promotion, but this year a new contender has emerged in the form of Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
RELATED: UFC Qatar Bonus Report: Waldo Cortes-Acosta one of four ‘POTN’ winners
Prior to Saturday night at UFC Qatar, he was 3-1 this year, with his lone loss coming to Sergei Pavlovich. However, he really took his game to a new level in a short stint against Shamil Gaziev, with Cortes-Acosta securing the eighth knockout win of his career and taking his mixed martial arts record to 16-2.
Considering we have a severe shortage of legitimate heavyweight prospects, this is certainly a relief. In a post-fight interview, Cortes-Acosta said the following about what the future could hold for him.
“I wanted to make history.”
Waldo Cortes Acosta impressed with two knockout victories in November and now has his eyes set on the heavyweight title. #UFCQatar
Complete the main map results ➡️ https://t.co/2jSOJlZypU pic.twitter.com/dvCTUlNYwt
— UFC News (@UFCNews) November 22, 2025
Cortes-Acosta looks ahead to the next challenge
“I accepted because I want to make a name for my legacy,” Cortes-Acosta told UFC.com after the fight. “I want to give everyone an example of what I can do at heavyweight. The UFC signed me to fight. I want to fight anyone anywhere. I don’t care. I want to fight.”
“If Tom Aspinall doesn’t want to fight Ciryl Gane because of an eye (incident) or something, I’m here for him,” Cortes-Acosta said. “… If he doesn’t feel comfortable with the rematch, give me the chance. I want to fight for more of my legacy and my history next month, December 13. I’m ready for anything.”
Quotes via MMA junkie
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