UFC Fight Night – Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Ante Delija: Preview & Betting Tips

The heavyweight division continues to churn out matchups despite unknown status regarding the UFC heavyweight title. This weekend’s clash sees Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Ante Delija meet in the co-main event.

Cortes-Acosta (14-2) has built a reputation for durability and composure, often grinding out wins through boxing and strong cardio for a man his size. His five-fight win streak was snapped in late August when he dropped a decision to Sergei Pavlovich. 

Delija (26-6) arrived in the UFC with quiet confidence after years of success in the PFL, where he once captured the heavyweight championship. Delija’s UFC debut was nearly perfect, he blasted out Marcin Tybura in just over half a minute proving once again that Tom Aspinall’s team of heavyweights is full of killers.

Tale of the Tape

Waldo Cortes-Acosta – Odds 2.05 (Bet MGM)

Record: 14-2

Age: 34

Height: 6ft4

Reach: 78”

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Ante Delija – Odds 1.77 (Bet MGM)

Record: 26-6

Age: 35

Height: 6ft3

Reach: 78”

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Ante Delija: Analysis

Cortes-Acosta fights like a boxer trapped in a heavyweight’s frame. He has crisp jabs, steady output, and patience in exchanges. He’s not known for one-punch knockout power but can wear opponents down over time. He has a habit of letting his opponents come forward, looking to counter, which could be risky against someone as explosive as Delija.

Delija, by contrast, fights like a brawler. He presses forward, uses tight hooks and short uppercuts, and thrives when opponents are forced to exchange. His finishing rate tells the story of a man who rarely lets fights drag. He’s also deceptively durable, with experience against elite heavyweights across Europe and the PFL circuit.

Cortes-Acosta vs Delija: Prediction & Betting Tips

Cortes-Acosta’s best chance is to survive the early storm. If he can make Delija work and drag the fight into the later rounds, the odds start to even out. He’s proven capable of maintaining output across 15 minutes, while Delija’s cardio remains somewhat untested under the UFC’s lights.

However, that’s a dangerous strategy when the man in front of you can end the fight with one clean punch.This matchup feels like a momentum test, and all signs point toward Ante Delija riding his current wave to another big finish. Cortes-Acosta is durable, but the short turnaround after a punishing loss doesn’t inspire confidence.

Delija’s aggression, power, and self-belief could make this another short night. I’m taking Ante Delija to win by KO/TKO at odds of 3.55 (Bet MGM).