MMA Match Preview: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2) vs. Derrick Lewis (29-12, 1 NC)
The heavyweight division takes center stage at UFC 324 as rising contender Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta (16-2) looks to extend his winning streak against knockout artist Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (29-12, 1 NC). Cortes-Acosta, known for his crisp boxing and power, enters as a heavy favorite after back-to-back first-round knockouts, while Lewis, at 40 years old, remains a dangerous one-punch threat despite recent inconsistencies. This bout could be a striker’s delight or a quick finish, with Lewis’ experience clashing against Cortes-Acosta’s youth and momentum. With no prior history between them, this matchup adds intrigue to a stacked card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a staple for UFC events, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile fights, including multiple heavyweight clashes.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). The fight will stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Cleared for action after suffering a severe eye poke and subsequent inflammation in his November 1, 2025, win over Ante Delija at UFC Fight Night. He underwent specialist evaluations and reported full recovery by late November, with no lingering issues heading into this bout. No other reported injuries.
Derrick Lewis: No active injuries reported. Lewis has credited UFC-provided peptides for aiding his recovery from past back and health issues, stating he’s in the best shape of his career at age 40. He demanded an investigation into early betting lines but appears fully healthy after his July 2025 knockout win.
Fighter Matchups
This heavyweight tilt pits Cortes-Acosta’s technical boxing and athleticism against Lewis’ raw power and knockout prowess. Cortes-Acosta (6’4″, 265 lbs, 80″ reach) is a former LFA champion with crisp combinations and solid takedown defense (75% rate), favoring stand-up exchanges where he lands 5.2 significant strikes per minute at 58% accuracy. Lewis (6’3″, 265 lbs, 79″ reach) is the UFC’s all-time knockout leader (16 KOs) with devastating one-punch power, absorbing 4.8 strikes per minute but boasting a 2.5 knockdowns per 15 minutes rate. Styles clash: Cortes-Acosta’s volume vs. Lewis’ explosiveness; if it goes long, Cortes-Acosta’s cardio edges out, but Lewis thrives in chaos.
Recent Team Forms
Waldo Cortes-Acosta: On a two-fight win streak (both first-round KOs). Overall 4-1 in last five: W (KO vs. Gaziev, Nov 2025), W (KO vs. Delija, Nov 2025), L (DEC vs. Pavlovich, Aug 2025), W (DEC vs. Spivac, Jun 2025), W (DEC vs. Despaigne, 2024). Form shows improved finishing power after early UFC decisions.
Derrick Lewis: 3-1 in last four: W (KO R1 vs. Teixeira, Jul 2025), W (KO R3 vs. Nascimento, May 2024), L (DEC vs. Almeida, Nov 2023), W (KO R1 vs. de Lima, Jul 2023). Lewis has finished 3 of his last 4 wins by KO, but his losses often come via decision against grapplers.
Series History
This is the first meeting between Cortes-Acosta and Lewis—no prior head-to-head history. Both fighters have faced common opponents like Serghei Spivac (Cortes-Acosta W DEC; Lewis L DEC) and Robelis Despaigne (Cortes-Acosta W DEC; Lewis has not fought him), but no direct comparisons. Lewis holds the edge in UFC experience (30 fights vs. Cortes-Acosta’s 11).
FIGHT ODDS
Waldo Cortes-Acosta – 350
Derrick Lewis + 285
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
