With heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall sidelined due to eye issues, the UFC heavyweight division faces a temporary standstill. As the prospect of a rematch between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane looms, the concept of an interim UFC heavyweight interim title is gaining traction. Dominican contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta, fresh off a knockout victory at UFC 324, has stepped forward seeking an interim title bout to stay active and position himself for a future championship fight.
Cortes-Acosta, known by fans as ‘Salsa Boy,’ enjoyed a successful 2025, finishing four of his five opponents decisively. He began 2026 with a dominant knockout over Derrick Lewis and was initially eyeing a fast follow-up fight against Curtis Blaydes in Mexico. With UFC Mexico prospects uncertain, he revealed intentions to challenge either Alexander Volkov or Ciryl Gane for an interim belt, aiming to keep momentum and secure a title opportunity.
Dominican Heavyweight Contender Open to Interim Title Showdown with Volkov or Gane
Waldo Cortes-Acosta shared his vision publicly, emphasizing readiness for a high-stakes interim title fight while the current champion recovers. He told Hablemos MMA,
“If I don’t get (UFC) Mexico, I want to fight Volkov or Ciryl Gane. They’re waiting. I assume Tom Aspinall is not fighting anytime soon, so why not put an interim title in place? Whoever wins fights the champion, should they make the rematch between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall. That would be good,”
highlighting a strategic plan to maintain division activity and excitement.
After winning five of his last six bouts, including a high-profile victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC 324, Cortes-Acosta’s rise has positioned him as a legitimate title contender. His performances at the T-Mobile Arena and UFC Apex further cemented his reputation and opened the door for bigger challenges ahead. Proposing a potential fight against Volkov or Gane for the interim title indicates his willingness to face top-tier opponents to solidify his status.
He explained his willingness to fight either contender for the interim belt:
“Any of the two are fine. Any of the two can put me to fight for an interim title. For example, the UFC goes, ‘Waldo, you and Volkov fight for the interim and take on the winner of the rematch between Gane and Aspinall,’ or maybe the UFC goes, ‘Ciryl Gane, fight him for the interim belt, and the winner fights Tom Aspinall.’ So any of those two options are fine with me.”
This statement underlines his pragmatic approach to securing a championship opportunity.
Aspinall’s Recovery Uncertain but His Teammate Warns of a Strong Comeback
While the UFC weighs the path forward for the heavyweight title, Tom Aspinall’s absence due to eye surgery raises questions about how soon and in what form he will return. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the surgery on Aspinall’s performance. Despite this, one of Aspinall’s close training partners, Modestas Baukauskas, remains confident in the champion’s comeback.
Baukauskas told BBC,
“When he comes back expect to see the most dangerous Tom Aspinall you’ve ever seen. He’s an incredible athlete, an incredible person and this is only going to make him that much sharper and better. Heavyweight division, watch out. Tom’s dealing with that really horrible eye injury. I feel really bad for him because he’s looking at potentially getting surgery and his eyes still aren’t 100%. I’ve been keeping tabs, sending messages here and there to [check] how he’s doing.”
Training extensively with Rico Verhoeven and others during the camp for UFC 321 against Ciryl Gane, Aspinall has developed a solid support network. This experience offers his teammates insight into his resilience and preparation, suggesting that his return could bring heightened intensity to the heavyweight ranks.
Potential Impact of an Interim Title Fight on UFC’s Heavyweight Division
With Aspinall’s timeline still uncertain, introducing an interim UFC heavyweight interim title fight could maintain activity and fan interest within the division. Waldo Cortes-Acosta’s push for a bout against either Volkov or Gane would provide a competitive matchup while awaiting the champion’s return. This would also establish a clear title-defining path, where the interim belt victor would face Aspinall upon his recovery.
The UFC’s possible acceptance of such a proposal would offer the fans exciting action in the heavyweight division while ensuring the champion’s eventual return remains meaningful. Meanwhile, Aspinall’s teammates’ confidence suggests that, regardless of timing, the undisputed title scene will remain highly competitive and volatile.
The situation poses an intriguing question for fight enthusiasts: will Aspinall reclaim the throne with his previous aggression, or adopt a more cautious, strategic approach after surgery? As the division awaits clarity, the buildup toward a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown intensifies.
