Waldo Cortes-Acosta is one of the most active and motivated heavyweights in the UFC right now, and he’s making it clear that he has big goals for 2026.
As he prepares to face Derrick Lewis at UFC 324, Cortes-Acosta believes a win on Saturday could put him closer than ever to a dream opportunity, competing on the UFC White House card later this year.
Cortes-Acosta has built strong momentum throughout 2025, putting together an impressive 4-1 record that has caught the attention of fans, matchmakers, and contenders within the division.
His rise has been fueled by activity, confidence, and the belief that he can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the heavyweight ranks.
With a showdown against a knockout legend like Derrick Lewis fast approaching, the stakes have never been higher for “Salsa Boy.”
A Breakout Year for Cortes-Acosta
Few fighters can match the pace and productivity Waldo Cortes-Acosta displayed in 2025.
The Dominican heavyweight fought five times, including two quick victories in November over Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev.
Those back-to-back wins showed just how sharp and conditioned he is heading into the new year.
Active heavyweights are rare, and heavyweights who can keep winning while staying active are even rarer.
That is part of what separates Cortes-Acosta from many of his peers. His ability to take tough fights, stay healthy, and keep improving has pushed him into the spotlight.
Many analysts now consider Cortes-Acosta a dark horse for a future title shot. And if he can add Derrick Lewis to his list of wins, that dark horse label may disappear completely.
Facing a Legend: The Challenge of Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis has long been known as one of the most dangerous punchers in UFC history. With his knockout power and unpredictable style, preparing for him is always a challenge.
Cortes-Acosta knows this better than anyone, and during his pre-fight media scrum, he expressed both respect and excitement for the opportunity.
He explained that when Lewis first entered the UFC, he himself was barely getting started in MMA. Yet even back then, Lewis was one of his favorite fighters.
The idea of sharing the Octagon with him felt distant and almost impossible until now.
Speaking to reporters, Cortes-Acosta said:
“For Derrick Lewis, when he started, I’d barely been training MMA. I followed him so much because he’s a heavyweight, too, like me. He was one of my favorite fighters before until now, too, let me tell you. This Saturday… one day I was thinking, one day you will be fighting with him, and look at now. This is real, and next Saturday, Jan. 24, it will be happening. It’s amazing for me.”
The excitement in his voice reflects just how meaningful this matchup is. It’s not just another fight — it’s a full-circle moment.
Still, Cortes-Acosta understands that defeating Lewis won’t come easily. Lewis is desperate for a win after back-to-back losses, and he remains dangerous even when things aren’t going his way. A single punch from Lewis can change a fight instantly.
That’s exactly why a win over “The Black Beast” would carry so much weight in the division.
The Dream: Fighting at the UFC White House Event
The UFC’s upcoming White House event has become a major talking point throughout the MMA world. Fighters are openly campaigning to be included, knowing the card will be historic and globally watched.
For Waldo Cortes-Acosta, fighting at the White House isn’t just about exposure; it’s about representing the Latino community on one of the biggest stages imaginable.
During his media session, he made his desire loud and clear:
“I want to fight at the White House. Latino America, everybody, we support it. More clout, so people can see one Latino fighting at the White House is amazing.”
His passion for representing his roots has helped him build a growing fan base, especially among Latin American viewers who appreciate the energy he brings to every fight.
A spot on the UFC White House card would be a milestone moment not just for him, but for fans who want to see more Latino fighters in marquee positions.
With Dana White confirming that matchmaking for the White House card will begin soon after UFC 324, the timing couldn’t be better for Cortes-Acosta to make a statement.
Could a Win Lead to a Title Shot?
While the White House event is one dream, the heavyweight title picture is another major storyline hanging over this fight.
With his current momentum, Cortes-Acosta believes a victory over Derrick Lewis could push him into real contention.
When asked about the possibility of a title shot, he remained open and confident:
“It’s possible. I’d be available for the title shot or interim shot, interim title. Any fight the UFC can put on there, I’ll be fighting, but I want to fight.”
The heavyweight division has seen a lot of movement in the past year, with rankings changing quickly and opportunities opening for those who stay active.
That plays directly into Cortes-Acosta’s strengths. He has repeatedly shown that he will fight anyone, anytime, and that kind of reliability is something the UFC values highly.
Of course, everything depends on what happens this Saturday. A knockout win over Lewis could skyrocket him toward the top.
A dominant decision could keep him on track. A setback, however, could delay his title hopes.
Still, the confidence he brings suggests he’s not thinking about anything except victory.
What’s at Stake at UFC 324
For Waldo Cortes-Acosta, UFC 324 is more than a regular heavyweight matchup. It’s a turning point.
Here’s what a win could mean for him:
- A spot on the historic UFC White House card
- A major jump in the heavyweight rankings
- Serious consideration for a title or interim title fight
- Increased visibility for Latin American representation in the UFC
- The biggest opportunity of his career so far
It’s rare for one fight to carry this much potential upside, but that’s exactly the position he finds himself in as he steps into the Octagon against Derrick Lewis.
Final Thoughts
Waldo Cortes-Acosta enters UFC 324 as one of the division’s most promising and active contenders.
His strong performances in 2025, paired with his hunger to take on major challenges, have positioned him for a breakout moment.
Facing Derrick Lewis is a test of power, composure, and experience, and if he wins, the doors to the White House card and possibly even a title shot could swing wide open.
Cortes-Acosta isn’t just fighting for rankings. He’s fighting to inspire and represent a growing wave of Latino MMA fans. And as he said himself, the idea of competing at the White House would be “amazing.”
Now, all that’s left is to deliver when the cage door closes on Saturday night.