Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Curtis Blaydes will clash at Noche UFC on September 12. The heavyweight matchup adds a significant bout to the card.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Curtis Blaydes are set to meet in a heavyweight clash at Noche UFC on September 12, adding a compelling divisional matchup to what is shaping up to be a notable card.
Blaydes, known as "Razor," enters the fight ranked fourth in the heavyweight division with a record of 19-6-0. The 35-year-old American trains out of Elevation Fight Team and stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. A decorated wrestler, Blaydes averages an elite 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most prolific grappling threats in the division. He also lands 3.56 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive game.
Cortes-Acosta, nicknamed "Salsa Boy," comes in ranked tenth at heavyweight and carries a record of 17-3-0. The 34-year-old stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach and has built a reputation as a high-volume striker, averaging 5.54 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy — one of the higher output rates among active heavyweights. He also holds a slight grappling threat, averaging 0.44 takedowns and 0.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A Blaydes victory would reinforce his position as a top-four heavyweight and keep him in contention for bigger fights.
- A Cortes-Acosta win would represent the biggest of his UFC career and could vault him several spots up the rankings.
- The stylistic contrast is sharp: Blaydes brings elite wrestling, while Cortes-Acosta will look to keep the fight standing and out-work him with volume striking.
- Both fighters are virtually identical in size, making physical advantages a non-factor and putting the tactical battle front and center.
