Waldo Cortes-Acosta delivered an impressive performance at UFC 324, defeating former title challenger Derrick Lewis via TKO in the second round. This victory marks Cortes-Acosta's third consecutive win and extends his impressive run in the heavyweight division. The fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, showcased Cortes-Acosta's strategic striking and ability to capitalize on his opponent's mistakes, solidifying his position as a rising force in the UFC.
The highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis took place on the main card of UFC 324. While many anticipated a quick finish, the first round saw a cautious exchange of blows. Lewis attempted some high kicks to keep Cortes-Acosta on his toes, but neither fighter landed significant strikes, resulting in a slow-paced opening. The crowd, however, remained engaged, chanting "U-S-A" in support of the heavyweights.
Entering the second round, Lewis, fueled by encouragement from his corner, increased his aggression. However, Cortes-Acosta skillfully countered Lewis's advances, landing sharp blows. He then established control with a crisp jab that consistently found its mark. Following a missed power swing from Lewis, Cortes-Acosta connected with a powerful jab that sent Lewis to the canvas. Cortes-Acosta quickly gained top control, unleashing a barrage of strikes that prompted referee Jason Herzog to halt the fight at 3:14 of the second round, declaring Cortes-Acosta the winner by TKO.
This win is a significant achievement for "Salsa Boy" Cortes-Acosta, building on a successful 2025 where he secured a 4-1 record, including two first-round finishes against Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev. For Derrick Lewis, who had been riding the momentum of two stoppage victories over Rodrigo Nascimento and Tallison Teixeira, this loss interrupts his recent upward trajectory. The event also featured other notable results, including Natalia Silva's unanimous decision win over Rose Namajunas, Jean Silva's victory against Arnold Allen, and Umar Nurmagomedov's dominant performance over Deiveson Figueiredo.
Cortes-Acosta's decisive TKO victory over a seasoned veteran like Lewis at UFC 324 underscores his growing presence in the heavyweight division. His calculated approach, combined with timely and powerful strikes, proved to be the winning formula against a fighter known for his knockout power. This result not only boosts Cortes-Acosta's professional record but also positions him for more high-profile matchups in the future, further elevating his career in mixed martial arts.