Waldo Cortes-Acosta has defeated Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3). The Dominican fighter soundly outstruck his adversary on the feet. The fight was relatively low pace with each fighter respecting the other's power.
Arlovski, 44, has lost in his 41st UFC fight but continues to look competitive against the younger competition. The former UFC heavyweight champion stole a round on each judge's scorecard and didn't hint at retirement. Fans should expect "The Pitbull" to appear again.
Round by Round
Round one was relatively even, Arlovski landed some flush kicks and attempted several high-risk spinning back fists. Acosta played the patient game, waiting for Arlovski to throw so he could react with multiple shot combinations, the Brazilian giant was also active with his lead leg, tenderizing Arlovski's midsection. Acosta found his mark in the dying seconds, forcing Arlovski to bob and weave before the horn sounded. It seems clear that Acosta could win the fight if he forced the action.
Acosta began to showboat in the second round, showing off some of his salsa dancing --- Arlovski replied with a head kick. A majority of the fight played out in the open stance, with Arlovski as a southpaw and Acosta as an orthodox fighter. The two heavyweights palmed at each other's lead hands while they waited for their big opportunity. Midway through round two, Acosta showboated some more by gyrating his hips, but he wasn't throwing enough to convincingly steal the round. Acosta's mouthguard fell to the floor and a frustrated Arlovski nearly kicked it into the stands. Acosta stepped on the gas again in the dying seconds, he might have done just enough to take the round.
Round three began with more of the same. Arlovski keeps attempting an overhand right, which Acosta times with a snappy uppercut. Acosta clocked Arlovski with a strong right hand, sending him reeling to the cage - the MMA veteran recovered quickly. Arlovski finally lands his spinning back fist but Acosta is unphased. Acosta lands another big right hand on Arlovski, who isn't hurt but contests an eye-poke mid-exchange. Acosta eggs Arlovski on, and the Belarusian almost impales his foe with a flush spinning back kick. It's too little too late however, as the final timer sounds, it would appear the UFC veteran has lost an unconvincing decision.
As with many heavyweight prospects, Acosta will be looking for a shot at the heavyweight rankings with this victory over a former champion.
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