UFC 324 is stacked with exciting matchups, but one fight that instantly grabs attention is the heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis.
Heavyweight fights always carry danger, and when two fighters known for knockout power step into the Octagon, fans know they are in for fireworks.
This is not a technical wrestling contest or a slow-paced grappling battle; this is a fight where one clean punch can end everything in seconds.
We break down the matchup in detail and present a clear Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis prediction, focusing on striking, power, experience, and fight dynamics.
UFC 324: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis- A True Heavyweight War
The heavyweight division is known for chaos, unpredictability, and raw power. UFC 324 delivers exactly that with this matchup.
Both fighters are strikers first, knockout artists who prefer to keep the fight standing and look for the finish rather than points on the judges’ scorecards.
Fans should not expect long clinch battles, takedown attempts, or submission setups. This fight is about timing, accuracy, and who lands first with authority.
Derrick Lewis: The Most Dangerous Knockout Artist
When talking about heavyweight knockouts in the UFC, one name always stands out: Derrick Lewis.
Derrick Lewis Record and Power
Derrick Lewis comes into this fight with a professional record of 29 wins and 12 losses, an impressive resume built over years of fighting the best heavyweights in the world.
What truly separates Lewis from most fighters is his knockout power.
- 16 knockout wins in the UFC
- One of the highest KO totals in UFC history
- Ability to finish fights with a single punch
Lewis does not need volume. He does not rely on fancy footwork or long combinations. If he lands clean, the fight is usually over.
Boxing Style and Fight IQ
Derrick Lewis is often underestimated because of his relaxed movement and sometimes slow pace. But that style works for him.
He waits, watches, and explodes at the right moment. His boxing combinations are short but brutal, and when he senses his opponent is hurt, he pours on pressure with heavy punches.
One of Lewis’s biggest strengths is his experience in high-pressure fights.
He has faced champions, contenders, and rising prospects. He knows how to survive bad moments and turn fights around instantly.
Experience Advantage
At this stage of his career, Lewis has seen everything:
- Five-round fights
- Main events
- High-stakes matchups
- Comeback knockouts
That experience matters, especially against a younger opponent who has not been tested at the same level consistently.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta: The New Blood with Heavy Hands
On the opposite side stands Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a dangerous heavyweight who represents the new wave of power punchers in the division.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Record and Momentum
Waldo Cortes-Acosta enters this fight with a strong professional record of 16 wins and only 2 losses.
He has already made his presence felt in the UFC with solid performances and multiple knockout wins.
- 5 UFC wins by knockout
- Strong physical build
- Excellent punching power
Cortes-Acosta is not a volume striker either. Much like Lewis, he relies on clean connections rather than long exchanges. When his punch lands, he often does not need follow-up shots.
Strengths and Fighting Style
Cortes-Acosta’s biggest weapon is his raw strength. His punches carry serious weight, and opponents feel it immediately.
Unlike Derrick Lewis, who often waits for openings, Cortes-Acosta is more proactive and likes to press forward.
He does well when he can control the center of the Octagon, cut off angles, and force exchanges. Against fighters who hesitate, this approach works very well.
Youth and Hunger
One clear advantage for Cortes-Acosta is youth. He is fresher, faster, and still climbing the rankings. Fighters at this stage are often more aggressive and willing to take risks to make a statement.
Facing a big name like Derrick Lewis is a career-defining opportunity. A win here could push Cortes-Acosta into serious contender conversations.
Striking Battle: Who Has the Edge?
This fight comes down to striking. Neither fighter is known for wrestling-heavy game plans, and both prefer knockouts.
Derrick Lewis Striking
- Short, powerful boxing combinations
- Devastating right hand
- Excellent finishing instinct
Lewis thrives when opponents overcommit. One mistake can turn into a knockout in seconds.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Striking
- Heavy single-shot power
- Forward pressure
- Strong chin and physical presence
Cortes-Acosta is dangerous early, especially if he can back Lewis up and force him to fight at a higher pace.
Cardio and Durability
Cardio is always a question in heavyweight fights.
- Derrick Lewis has shown that he can conserve energy and still explode late.
- Cortes-Acosta appears to have solid conditioning but has not been tested in extended wars against elite heavyweights as often.
Durability also matters. Lewis has taken damage before, but still carries knockout power deep into fights. Cortes-Acosta has shown toughness, but has not faced many fighters who hit as hard as Lewis.
X-Factors in the Fight
Experience vs Momentum
This fight is a classic matchup:
- Experience and timing (Lewis)
- Youth and momentum (Cortes-Acosta)
Lewis knows how to survive storms and capitalize on mistakes. Cortes-Acosta must fight smart and avoid reckless exchanges early.
One Punch Changes Everything
In heavyweight MMA, predictions can fall apart instantly. One clean shot can erase all previous analysis. Both fighters can end this fight without warning.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis Prediction
Now comes the big question: who wins?
Our breakdown shows that both fighters have realistic paths to victory.
However, when weighing experience, proven knockout ability against elite competition, and composure under pressure, Derrick Lewis still has a slight edge in terms of fight IQ and finishing instincts.
That said, the odds are extremely close.
Win Probability Prediction
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta: 55% chance to win
- Derrick Lewis: 45% chance to win
Cortes-Acosta’s youth and power give him a narrow statistical edge, but Derrick Lewis remains one of the most dangerous knockout artists in UFC history.
Method and Round Prediction
- Likely result: Knockout
- Expected rounds: Round 1 or Round 2
Do not expect this fight to go the distance. The longer it stays standing, the more dangerous it becomes for both men.
Final Thoughts
The Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis fight at UFC 324 is everything fans love about heavyweight MMA—power, danger, and unpredictability.
There will be no slow buildup, no cautious grappling exchanges, and no waiting for judges’ decisions.
Both fighters are capable of ending the fight at any moment. While our pick slightly favors Derrick Lewis based on experience and finishing ability, Cortes-Acosta has the tools to shock everyone.
One thing is certain: fans should not blink. This fight is almost guaranteed to end by knockout, making it one of the must-watch bouts on the UFC 324 card.
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