Waldo Cortes-Acosta Saves UFC Qatar Heavyweight Bout on Short Notice
Waldo Cortes-Acosta has stepped in to replace Serghei Spivac for a heavyweight bout against Shamil Gaziev at UFC Qatar. This last-minute change occurred only three days before the fight, which is set to take place at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Doha. The news was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation, following an initial report by ESPN Deportes.
Fight Overview
UFC Qatar is scheduled for Saturday and will feature a lightweight main event between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. While the reason for Spivac’s withdrawal remains unclear, Cortes-Acosta is ready to compete despite the short notice.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta’s Background
- Record: 15 wins and 2 losses
- Recent Fight: Knocked out Ante Delija in under four minutes earlier this month.
- Performance: Improved to 6-1 since mid-2023.
- UFC Fights: Achieved eight wins out of ten under the UFC banner.
Cortes-Acosta’s notable victories include wins over prominent fighters like Andrei Arlovski and Ryan Spann. He expressed his determination on social media, stating, “Anytime, anywhere, against anybody,” emphasizing his continuous readiness to compete against the best.
Shamil Gaziev’s Profile
- Record: 14 wins and 1 loss
- Last Fight: A first-round knockout against Thomas Petersen in February.
- Promotional Record: 3 wins and 1 loss with two finishes.
Gaziev was originally set to face Spivac on three different occasions this year. He acknowledged Cortes-Acosta’s quick acceptance of the fight, hinting at a tough battle. Gaziev stated, “Respect to the pirate for stepping on board, but the Gulf is my territory.”
Event Details
UFC Qatar promises to be an exciting night for MMA fans. With Cortes-Acosta taking on Gaziev on short notice, this bout adds an unexpected twist to the event. The fighters are prepared to deliver thrilling performances as they compete for recognition in the heavyweight division.
