MMA Match Preview: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (18-2)

Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China
Division: Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Scheduled: 3 Rounds
Card Placement: Co-Main Event

Match Overview

This pivotal heavyweight bout pits Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich against surging Dominican contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta. With both fighters ranked in the top 10—Pavlovich at #3 and Cortes-Acosta at #6—the stakes are high as each seeks to solidify their place in the title conversation.

Fighter Profiles & Stats

Sergei Pavlovich (Record: 18-2-0 MMA)

Age: 33

Height/Reach: 6’3″ / 84″

Team: Eagles MMA

Recent Form: W-L-L-W-W

Strengths: Devastating KO power, Combat Sambo pedigree, longest first-round KO streak in UFC history

Weaknesses: Defensive grappling under pressure, cardio in extended fights

Pavlovich rebounded from a tough 2023 with a dominant win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, reaffirming his elite status. He’s known for blitzing opponents early and finishing fights violently.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Record: 11-1-0 MMA)

Age: 33

Height/Reach: 6’4″ / 78″

Team: Jackson Wink MMA

Recent Form: W-W-W-W-W

Strengths: Volume boxing, improved takedown defense, composure under fire

Weaknesses: Less explosive, untested against top-tier KO artists

Cortes-Acosta enters on a five-fight win streak, including a dominant performance over Serghei Spivac. His blend of boxing fundamentals and evolving grappling makes him a dangerous and durable opponent.

Tale of the Tape

Stat	Pavlovich	Cortes-Acosta
Height	6’3″	6’4″
Reach	84″	78″
Knockouts	15	6
UFC Wins	6	7
Takedown Defense	66%	72%
Striking Accuracy	54%	48%

Tactical Breakdown

Keys for Pavlovich:

Blitz early with power combinations

Cut off the cage and force exchanges

Avoid prolonged clinch or ground battles

Keys for Cortes-Acosta:

Stay mobile and use jab to manage distance

Mix in clinch control and body shots

Survive early storm and push pace late