If you’re expecting dancing and taunting from Waldo Cortes-Acosta this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 255, you’re in for a surprise.
The rising UFC heavyweight contender promises a new version of himself, one that has left aside the antics. Cortes-Acosta (12-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has set himself apart in the heavyweight division for some of the in-cage stunts that come with his fighting.
But facing Ryan Spann this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Cortes-Acosta is out to get his hand raised while showing a more serious version.
“I need to stop messing around, wanting to dance, and go for my objective, which is to become UFC world champion,” Cortes-Acosta told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. “It’s time for me to get serious and go after what I want.”
This could mean a more dangerous Cortes-Acosta. He’s more focused on making a statement and logging in big wins than putting on a show.
“I’m going to make the other person dance salsa in the cage while I get serious in my business,” Cortes-Acosta explained. “I’m going to stop being an idiot up there. I’m going in there to fight. You can expect a much more serious version of me.”
Now in the UFC official heavyweight rankings, Cortes-Acosta says this big shift in mentality came as a result of wanting to be considered a legit title threat rather than being a showman.
“I have six kids, and I have to prioritize their well being and mine so they can be good,” Cortes-Acosta said. “I can’t be relaxed. I need to go for what’s mine, which is being world champion.”
As far as the fight with Spann (22-10 MMA, 8-5 UFC), he’ll be making his UFC heavyweight debut against Cortes-Acosta. Cortes-Acosta expects a tough fight, but he’s determined to make a big statement out of him.
“I have to give him his welcome to the heavyweight division,” Cortes-Acosta said. “I hope he gives his best because I’m coming out to give my best. It’s going to be a war. You know how Ryan Spann fights. He hits hard and fast and so do I. I don’t back down. Let it be God’s will. But from my part, I’m going in there to break him quickly.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
Check out the Hablemos MMA YouTube channel for Spanish-language videos and interviews with MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
