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The Enduring Heart of the Croatian Heavyweight: Ante Delija’s Legacy
The journey of Ante Delija, born August 7, 1990, in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering belief. Known by the chilling nickname “Walking Trouble,” Delija’s career has been less about easy victories and more about overcoming truly catastrophic setbacks, a story that has endeared him to fight fans around the world. He fights not just for wins, but to honor the sheer effort it took to simply stay in the sport he loves.
A Champion’s Test: The Road of Redemption
Delija’s professional career, which began in 2011, has taken him across global promotions like M-1 Global, RIZIN, and KSW. However, one event defined his journey for years: a fight in 2015 against Marcin Tybura, where Delija suffered a horrific open fracture of his tibia. The injury was so severe that it required multiple surgeries and led to a persistent bacterial infection, sidelining him for nearly three years. Many would have retired, but Delija’s commitment was unbreakable.
His return to competition was a victory in itself, but the true redemption came years later in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). After a grueling run, facing the division’s best, Delija secured the ultimate prize: the 2022 PFL Heavyweight World Championship and the accompanying $1 million prize. This championship not only validated his sacrifice but proved that his spirit, like his nickname, is truly “Walking Trouble” for anyone who doubts him.
From the Tournament Grind to the Octagon Spotlight
Delija, fighting out of Gladiator Croatia and Team Kaobon, finally made his long-awaited debut in the UFC in 2025. His entry was nothing short of spectacular: at UFC Paris, he faced Marcin Tybura once more. In a deeply emotional, full-circle moment, Delija emphatically defeated the man against whom he suffered his career-threatening injury, scoring a first-round knockout.
This victory was a culmination of a decade of blood, sweat, and physical anguish, and it immediately propelled the 35-year-old into the elite of the Heavyweight division, debuting at #9 in the UFC Heavyweight rankings. His overall professional record stands at 26 wins and 6 losses (26-6-0), boasting 13 knockouts and 7 submissions, showcasing a tough, well-rounded style focused on pressure, grappling, and relentless finishing power.
The Apex of Contention: A Step Toward the Top
Ante Delija is now set for a quick return to the Octagon for a high-profile co-main event at UFC Fight Night 263 on November 1, 2025, where he faces the charismatic and explosive Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
This matchup is a pivotal crossroads for both men in the Heavyweight rankings. For Delija, it is an immediate opportunity to prove his debut was not a fluke, but the start of a serious championship run. A victory over the higher-ranked Cortes-Acosta would validate his placement among the division’s best and establish him as a truly dangerous contender for the gold.
Read more | UFC Fight Night 263 | ESPN | Making Waves | Get to know
TL;DR Video
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Get to know Waldo Cortes-Acosta: From the Diamond to the Octagon, The Journey of ‘Salsa Boy’
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is more than just a UFC Heavyweight; he is the embodiment of a life redirected by passion and hard work. Born on October 3, 1991, in Fundación, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic, Cortes-Acosta’s athletic journey began not in the gym, but on the field. He was a professional baseball player in his home country before a life-changing move brought him to the United States. This background in professional sports instilled a unique combination of high-level athleticism, dedication, and the ability to perform under pressure that would later define his fighting career. His infectious personality and powerful movement earned him the nickname, “Salsa Boy.”
The Heavyweight with Rhythm: Trading a Bat for a Hook
In a move that surprised some but ignited his true calling, Cortes-Acosta began training in boxing and mixed martial arts around the age of 24. This relatively late start meant he had to compress years of development into a short time, a challenge he met with relentless enthusiasm. Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Cortes-Acosta quickly made a name for himself in the professional MMA scene, compiling an impressive early record and capturing the LFA Heavyweight Championship.
His path to the UFC was secured in spectacular fashion in 2022 on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he earned a contract with a definitive first-round TKO, signaling the arrival of a new, dynamic force in the division.
A Permanent Smile and Explosive Power: Conquering the Heavyweight Division
With a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 2 losses (14-2-0), Cortes-Acosta has established himself as a reliable and exciting Heavyweight contender. His style is a thrilling blend of his boxing heritage and newfound martial arts prowess, resulting in six knockouts and one submission victory.
His run in the UFC has included a series of significant victories, showcasing his durability and ability to maintain a high pace for the full three rounds, evidenced by his seven decision wins. He has demonstrated his place among the elite with wins over veteran names like Andrei Arlovski and powerful contenders like Serghei Spivac and Ryan Spann. Though he encountered a recent setback in a unanimous decision loss to former interim challenger Sergei Pavlovich, “Salsa Boy” is ranked #6 in the UFC Heavyweight rankings and remains a constant threat, beloved by fans for his charisma and never-quit attitude inside the Octagon.
The Next Chapter: Maintaining Rank in the Co-Main Event
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is scheduled for his next high-stakes challenge at UFC Fight Night 263 on November 1, 2025. In what is slated as the co-main event, he will face fellow Heavyweight Ante Delija. For Cortes-Acosta, this bout is crucial: a decisive victory over a respected opponent like Delija is essential to maintain his top-10 ranking and prove that he is ready to climb even higher toward a UFC Heavyweight title shot.
TL;DR Video
Read more | UFC Fight Night 263 | ESPN | Be More Waldo | Get to know
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