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.

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