Waldo Cortes-Acosta delivered a stunning performance at UFC Qatar, securing a knockout victory over Shamil Gaziev just two days after accepting the fight on short notice. This win marks Cortes-Acosta’s second victory in November, following a previous knockout against Ante Delija on November 1. The bout against Gaziev ended at 1:22 in the first round, showcasing Cortes-Acosta’s striking power and agility.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Cortes-Acosta faced an early challenge when he was momentarily hindered by an eye poke. Nevertheless, he quickly regained his focus and launched a powerful counterattack. After absorbing a punch, he responded with a devastating straight right hand that sent Gaziev to the canvas, concluding the fight decisively.
Cortes-Acosta’s record now stands at 4-1 for the year, and he expressed eagerness to continue his momentum. “I want to finish this year with one more fight,” he stated after the bout. “This is too quick. I want to fight next month, December 13. I get two days’ notice, and I said I don’t care; I want to fight. I want to fight every time.”
The fighter also made it clear that he is ready to face top-ranked opponents, targeting names like Curtis Blaydes and Tom Aspinall. “You see me today, what I do, I’m going to break your head like that,” he asserted, reflecting his ambitious mindset heading into the final stretch of the year.
Cortes-Acosta’s ability to adapt quickly to competition has impressed fans and analysts alike. Despite the rapid turnaround and travel, he demonstrated no signs of fatigue, entering the octagon with a fierce determination to capitalize on the opportunity. His performance not only solidified his place in the heavyweight division but also raised questions about the possibility of another matchup before the end of December.
Given his commitment to staying active, the UFC may seek to arrange an opponent for Cortes-Acosta in the upcoming fight card. With two consecutive wins in November, he has positioned himself as a fighter to watch as the year concludes, eager to build on his recent successes.
