Sergei Pavlovich Set to Face Waldo Cortes-Acosta in Crucial Heavyweight Clash at UFC Shanghai

The UFC’s return to China just got even bigger with a marquee heavyweight showdown set for UFC Shanghai on August 23, as Sergei Pavlovich prepares to square off against Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a pivotal matchup that could shake up the division’s pecking order.

After a challenging 2023 that saw Pavlovich drop two consecutive fights — including a high-stakes interim title bout — the Russian powerhouse rebounded earlier this year with a solid unanimous decision win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. That performance in February was a clear signal that Pavlovich is far from finished in the title conversation. Known for his brutal knockout power, Pavlovich previously unleashed a six-fight KO streak, dispatching top names like Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes with frightening efficiency.

Now sitting at 18-2 overall, Pavlovich will look to restart his rise in the heavyweight ranks as he meets a surging contender in Cortes-Acosta — a fighter quietly building serious momentum in the shadows of the division’s elite.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta, 33, enters the bout with an impressive 7-1 UFC record and riding a five-fight winning streak, most recently dominating Serghei Spivac at UFC 316. The Dominican-born striker has been praised for his composure, volume striking, and improved grappling defense, making him a tricky matchup for any heavyweight — even one with Pavlovich’s ferocity.

This showdown offers a fascinating clash of styles: Pavlovich’s explosive finishing ability versus Cortes-Acosta’s disciplined, well-rounded approach. It also represents a significant step up in competition for Cortes-Acosta, who has gradually climbed the ladder while proving his durability and skillset with each appearance.

The fight was first reported by MMA Latino America and later confirmed, with both fighters having agreed to the terms. It joins a growing lineup for UFC Shanghai, which already features an intriguing rumored main event between light heavyweight talents Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang.

While Pavlovich hopes to assert himself once again as a legitimate title contender, Cortes-Acosta sees this fight as his chance to crash the division’s top tier. A win over Pavlovich would mark the biggest victory of his career and potentially vault him into the title conversation.

Both heavyweights have a lot on the line, and fans can expect fireworks when these two collide inside the Octagon.

As Cortes-Acosta continues to turn heads in the UFC’s most unpredictable division, he now faces his biggest test yet — and the opportunity that comes with it.