Derrick Lewis Gives Up

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 1:57 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — Waldo Cortes-Acosta didn’t just beat Derrick Lewis he neutralized him. On the main card of UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena, Cortes-Acosta (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) delivered a composed and clinical stoppage of former heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis, finishing the bout at 3:14 of Round 2.

While many expected chaos and an early knockout, the ending arrived suddenly and with surprisingly little resistance. The crowd was buzzing from the opening bell, breaking into “U-S-A” chants as the heavyweights circled through a cautious feel-out process.

Lewis tried to keep Cortes-Acosta honest early, even throwing a few high kicks, but the opening round was largely defined by patience and restraint. Both fighters took big swings, but most missed their mark. The pace remained deliberate, almost tense, as neither man committed fully to exchanges.

Lewis’ corner urged him to seize control heading into Round 2, and “The Black Beast” responded with more forward pressure. That aggression, however, played directly into Cortes-Acosta’s game.

Derrick Lewis vs Waldo Cortes Acosta#UFC324 pic.twitter.com/H2tzudmZuY

— kNight (@kkNightMMA) January 25, 2026

Jab, Control, and the End

As Lewis charged in. Cortes-Acosta stayed calm and sharp, snapping counters and establishing a stiff jab that repeatedly found its target. After Lewis overextended on a big swing, Cortes-Acosta dropped him with a clean, punishing jab a rare sight against the UFC’s all-time knockout leader.

Cortes-Acosta followed Lewis to the mat, secured top position, and began unloading heavy ground-and-pound as Lewis shelled up. Referee Jason Herzog stepped in moments later, waving off the contest. Just like that, the fight was over.

Nicknamed “Salsa Boy,” Cortes-Acosta opened 2026 the same way he closed a busy and productive 2025. He went 4-1 last year and now rides a three-fight winning streak, which includes back-to-back first-round finishes over Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev.

Saturday’s performance showed growth not just power, but patience, discipline, and a developing grappling game to complement his striking.

For a heavyweight division often defined by volatility, Cortes-Acosta is quietly building consistency.

Lewis’ Momentum Stalls Again

For Lewis (29-13 MMA, 20-11 UFC), the loss halts the momentum he’d built with recent stoppage wins over Rodrigo Nascimento and Tallison Teixeira.

At 41, Lewis remains dangerous in every exchange, but Saturday’s loss highlighted the growing challenge of dealing with younger, more technical heavyweights who refuse to brawl recklessly. Getting the image of him quitting out of fans heads is going to be tough for an aging fighter. As entertaining as Lewis is. We will never see him compete for Heavyweight gold ever again.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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