LAS VEGAS – A big name with a big punch. That’s what Waldo Cortes-Acosta is looking for in his next career move.
The Dominican rising heavyweight contender called out Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa following his latest triumph in the octagon. Cortes-Acosta (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) knocked out veteran Spann (22-11 MMA, 8-6 UFC) this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night 254, putting him on a four-fight wining streak and 6-1 in his seven UFC outings.
“Derrick Lewis or Tai Tuivasa, I’m ready for them,” Cortes-Acosta said in his in-cage, post-fight interview.
Although Spann was coming up from light heavyweight for this fight, Cortes-Acosta believes the win will still propel him in the division, given Spann’s history at light heavyweight.
“Absolutely, this will push me in the rankings because Ryan Spann is not anybody,” Cortes-Acosta said at the UFC Fight Night 254 post-fight press conference. “You guys know that Ryan Spann moved to heavyweight and is still fighting (at light heavyweight), and he’s close to the top 10. Ryan Spann is a good fighter. Today he didn’t show up because I trained hard for that, but I think for the other heavyweights he’s going to be trouble.”
Cortes-Acosta hopes to log in two more fights this 2025, and big ones if possible. Should that happen, he can see himself knocking on the door of a title in 2026.
“I visualize this year with two more fights and then try to fight for the title,” Cortes-Acosta said. “I want them to give me some big names. I’m going to do my best to get to that title, God willing.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 254.
