Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Curtis Blaydes in the works for UFC Noche on Sept. 19

Reports indicate that Curtis Blaydes and Waldo Cortes-Acosta are being targeted for a heavyweight clash at UFC Noche on September 19, though the matchup has not been officially confirmed. The card is expected to serve as UFC's annual Mexican Independence Day celebration, with the numbered UFC 331 slated for a separate date.

Blaydes, nicknamed "Razor," enters as the fourth-ranked heavyweight in the UFC. The 35-year-old American trains out of Elevation Fight Team and carries a 19-6-0 professional record. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the most prolific grapplers in the division, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, making him a well-rounded threat at the top of the heavyweight ladder.

Cortes-Acosta, known as "Salsa Boy," holds the number-10 spot in the heavyweight rankings and comes in with a 17-3-0 record. The 34-year-old also stands six-foot-four but carries a slightly shorter reach of 78 inches. Where Blaydes leans on his wrestling, Cortes-Acosta is a volume striker, landing 5.54 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy — a rate that ranks among the higher outputs in the division. His takedown activity is minimal, averaging just 0.44 per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• A win for Blaydes over a rising top-10 opponent would reinforce his position among the division's elite contenders.
• Cortes-Acosta cracking the top five with a victory over the fourth-ranked Blaydes would dramatically elevate his title trajectory.
• The stylistic contrast is sharp: Blaydes will likely seek takedowns against one of the division's more active strikers.
• As an unconfirmed report, the bout's placement on the card and its official status remain subject to change.