Pavlovich vs. Cortes Acosta: Heavyweight Powerhouses Collide in Co-Main
By Ali Hammad August 23, 2025 17:43
The co-main event of UFC Shanghai on August 23, 2025, featured a heavyweight clash between two of the division’s most powerful strikers: Sergey Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. This fight was a hard-hitting showdown that pitted Pavlovich’s seasoned experience and precision striking against Cortes-Acosta’s raw power and surging momentum, delivering an intense battle that showcased the brutality and tactical complexity of heavyweight MMA.
Sergey Pavlovich came into this bout as the UFC’s number three heavyweight contender, boasting a reputation for devastating knockouts fueled by his striking accuracy and power. After a rocky UFC debut loss to Alistair Overeem, Pavlovich rebounded with a five-fight winning streak that earned him a chance to fight for the interim heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295. Although he came up short in that championship bout, Pavlovich has remained a top-tier threat in the division, demonstrating a refined mix of timing and power that devastates opponents.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta, on the other hand, entered the UFC in 2022 through Dana White’s Contender Series and quickly made a name for himself. The Dominican contender had an impressive UFC record of 7-1 heading into this fight, with his most recent victory over Serghei Spivac at UFC 316 further solidifying his rise as a serious heavyweight contender. Known for his aggressive forward pressure and heavy hands, Cortes-Acosta was aiming to cause an upset and ascend into the top five rankings.
The fight itself was a showcase of strategic striking exchanges mixed with moments of explosive action. Cortes-Acosta began with high activity, throwing combinations and pushing the pace early. However, Pavlovich’s counterstriking proved invaluable, allowing him to capitalize on timing and precision. By the second round, Pavlovich started imposing more pressure, controlling the octagon and forcing Cortes-Acosta toward the cage where he could leverage his calculated power strikes.
The final round saw the Russian’s timing further sharpen as he connected with a looping right hook approximately 90 seconds into the stanza, a strike that encapsulated his striking growth and fight IQ. While the bout went to a decision, Pavlovich’s ability to control the distance and accumulate damage earned him a unanimous decision victory with judges scoring 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in his favor, halting Cortes-Acosta’s momentum and defending his top-tier ranking in the division.
Post-fight, Pavlovich expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing the importance of patience and precision in heavyweights’ brawls. “It’s not always about knocking them out right away. Sometimes, you earn the win by controlling the fight and picking your shots well,” Pavlovich said in a UFC interview. “Waldo is a tough fighter, and this shows that I can handle pressure and come out on top”.
Despite the loss, Cortes-Acosta demonstrated resilience and heart, showcasing his willingness to engage with one of the division’s elite. Analysts noted that the fight served as a valuable learning experience for the Dominican, revealing areas for growth in defense and pacing that, if improved, could propel him further up the heavyweight ladder.
Statistically, Pavlovich’s effective counterstriking and ability to pressure his opponent were decisive. His fight showed a marked improvement in striking accuracy and octagon control compared to previous bouts. Meanwhile, Cortes-Acosta’s output remained high, underscoring his relentless style, though it ultimately fell short against Pavlovich’s timing and defense.
The heavyweight battle at UFC Shanghai reaffirmed Sergey Pavlovich’s status as a top contender and showcased his evolving tactical approach to fighting at the highest level. Waldo Cortes-Acosta remains a dangerous up-and-comer, but this fight highlighted the fine line between aggression and control necessary to succeed among the elites. Fans can expect Pavlovich to continue pushing for a title shot, while Cortes-Acosta will likely regroup and refine his game as he pursues future opportunities in the heavyweight division.
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