Waldo Cortes-Acosta Bio
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is a Dominican professional mixed martial artist and boxer born on October 3, 1991. He competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and began his professional MMA career in 2018. Known for his striking power and grappling skills, Cortes-Acosta earned his UFC contract after a first-round TKO victory on Dana White’s Contender Series and has since risen to be ranked among the top UFC Heavyweights.
Early Life and Background
Waldo Cortes-Acosta was born in Fundación, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic. He initially pursued baseball, playing professionally in his home country before moving to the United States. At age 24, he transitioned to combat sports, beginning training in boxing and mixed martial arts. This late start in MMA did not hinder his rapid development as a fighter.
Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, Cortes-Acosta trains at the Ultimate Kombat Training Center. He holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which complements his striking background and contributes to his well-rounded fighting style.
Path to MMA
After switching from baseball to combat sports, Cortes-Acosta quickly made a name for himself in regional MMA circuits. He trained at the renowned Tristar Gym alongside elite fighters like Georges St-Pierre, gaining valuable experience and mentorship. His early professional fights showcased his knockout power and resilience, setting the stage for his entry into larger promotions.
Before joining the UFC, Cortes-Acosta competed in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), where he captured the heavyweight championship. His success in LFA and dominant performances earned him an invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract with a first-round TKO victory.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Cortes-Acosta began his professional MMA career in 2018, quickly amassing wins with a combination of knockouts and submissions. Training at Tristar Gym, he developed his skills and gained confidence competing against high-level opponents. His notable early victory came in the LFA, where he won the heavyweight title by TKO in the third round against Thomas Petersen in April 2022.
His performance in LFA and previous bouts demonstrated his ability to finish fights decisively, which caught the attention of UFC scouts and led to his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Dana White’s Contender Series Breakthrough (2022)
On August 2, 2022, Cortes-Acosta faced Danilo Suzart on Dana White’s Contender Series. He won the fight by first-round TKO, showcasing his striking prowess and earning a UFC contract. This victory marked a significant milestone, transitioning him to the premier stage of mixed martial arts competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2022–Present)
Cortes-Acosta made his UFC debut on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213 against Jared Vanderaa, winning by unanimous decision. He followed this with another unanimous decision victory over Chase Sherman in November 2022. Despite a setback in April 2023 with a unanimous decision loss to Marcos Rogério de Lima, he rebounded with a first-round knockout of Łukasz Brzeski in August 2023.
In 2024 and 2025, Cortes-Acosta continued to build momentum with key wins, including unanimous decision victories over Andrei Arlovski and Robelis Despaigne, and knockout wins against Ryan Spann and Ante Delija. His fight against Delija earned him his first Performance of the Night award. He also earned a second Performance of the Night after a first-round knockout of Shamil Gaziev in November 2025. As of late 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC Heavyweight division and is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis in January 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cortes-Acosta is known for his powerful striking and ability to finish fights by knockout. His height and reach advantage, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall with a 198 cm reach, allow him to control distance effectively. Complemented by his Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt, he is capable on the ground, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent in the heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Cortes-Acosta’s career include winning the LFA Heavyweight Championship, securing a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, and earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC. His knockout victory over Ante Delija after a rare eye poke incident demonstrated his resilience and composure under pressure.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Career Wins
Waldo Cortes-Acosta has compiled a professional MMA record of 16 wins and 2 losses, with 8 wins by knockout, 1 by submission, and 2 by decision. His ability to finish fights has been a hallmark of his career across various promotions.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2022, Cortes-Acosta has secured multiple wins, including knockouts and unanimous decisions. His first UFC win was a unanimous decision over Jared Vanderaa. He has demonstrated consistent performance against top contenders, with notable knockout wins over Łukasz Brzeski and Ryan Spann. His recent victories have solidified his position as a top-five heavyweight contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Cortes-Acosta was the LFA Heavyweight Champion, capturing the title with a TKO win over Thomas Petersen. His early career also featured victories in regional circuits, building the foundation for his rise to the UFC.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Waldo Cortes-Acosta’s family background have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Cortes-Acosta currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Information regarding his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Waldo Cortes-Acosta continued to establish himself as a formidable UFC heavyweight. He secured knockout wins against Ryan Spann and Ante Delija, the latter earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. He also won a unanimous decision over Serghei Spivac and rebounded from a loss to Sergei Pavlovich. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt quickly was evident when he stepped in on short notice to defeat Shamil Gaziev by first-round knockout, earning another Performance of the Night award. These results have positioned him as a serious contender in the heavyweight division heading into 2026.