Cortes-Acosta vs Lewis Prediction
💪 The clash between Waldo Cortes Acosta and Derrick Lewis stands out as one of the most intriguing matchups on the UFC 324 card. The 34-year-old Waldo is just beginning to make a name for himself in the elite ranks of the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Lewis has long passed his prime but remains a formidable opponent for any fighter in the king's weight class. Given the styles of both fighters, we can certainly anticipate fireworks. Read our prediction for the bout below.
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Player Overview
The 34-year-old Waldo Cortes Acosta, who has quickly become one of the most active heavyweights in the league over the past three years, made his debut in 2022 with a win over Jared Vanderaa. The American has picked up an impressive pace, having fought 11 times in the octagon, securing victory in 9 of those bouts. The year 2025 was particularly remarkable for Cortes Acosta; he stepped into the cage five times and was even eyeing a sixth fight in December. This phenomenal work ethic has made him a favorite among matchmakers and puts him on track for a swift rise into the top-3 rankings.
Match Results: Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Derrick Lewis Player Overview
The 40-year-old MMA legend, known as "The Black Beast," holds the league record for the most knockouts. Lewis has been competing in the UFC for over a decade, having fought 30 professional bouts in the world's premier league. Despite two unsuccessful title runs against Daniel Cormier and Ciryl Gane, Derrick remains a formidable force in the division. His recent victories over young prospects Tallison Teixeira and Rodrigo Nascimento clearly demonstrate that his knockout power is as potent as ever.
Match Results: Derrick Lewis
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The style of Waldo Cortes Acosta in his recent fights, combined with Derrick Lewis's knockout power, almost guarantees a quick finish. Lewis never hides his desire to end the fight as swiftly as possible, and his ability to knock out opponents with a single punch makes every second of the first round dangerous. Cortes Acosta has taken down his last two opponents in the opening round, seemingly finding his rhythm, and he could employ a similar game plan against the veteran. In this context, betting on total rounds under 1.5 appears to be a reasonable prediction.
