Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China
Division: Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Scheduled: 3 Rounds
Card Placement: Co-Main Event
Match Overview
This pivotal heavyweight bout pits Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich against surging Dominican contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta. With both fighters ranked in the top 10—Pavlovich at #3 and Cortes-Acosta at #6—the stakes are high as each seeks to solidify their place in the title conversation.
Fighter Profiles & Stats
Sergei Pavlovich (Record: 18-2-0 MMA)
Age: 33
Height/Reach: 6’3″ / 84″
Team: Eagles MMA
Recent Form: W-L-L-W-W
Strengths: Devastating KO power, Combat Sambo pedigree, longest first-round KO streak in UFC history
Weaknesses: Defensive grappling under pressure, cardio in extended fights
Pavlovich rebounded from a tough 2023 with a dominant win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, reaffirming his elite status. He’s known for blitzing opponents early and finishing fights violently.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Record: 11-1-0 MMA)
Age: 33
Height/Reach: 6’4″ / 78″
Team: Jackson Wink MMA
Recent Form: W-W-W-W-W
Strengths: Volume boxing, improved takedown defense, composure under fire
Weaknesses: Less explosive, untested against top-tier KO artists
Cortes-Acosta enters on a five-fight win streak, including a dominant performance over Serghei Spivac. His blend of boxing fundamentals and evolving grappling makes him a dangerous and durable opponent.
Tale of the Tape
| Stat | Pavlovich | Cortes-Acosta |
| Height | 6’3″ | 6’4″ |
| Reach | 84″ | 78″ |
| Knockouts | 15 | 6 |
| UFC Wins | 6 | 7 |
| Takedown Defense | 66% | 72% |
| Striking Accuracy | 54% | 48% |
Tactical Breakdown
Keys for Pavlovich:
Blitz early with power combinations
Cut off the cage and force exchanges
Avoid prolonged clinch or ground battles
Keys for Cortes-Acosta:
Stay mobile and use jab to manage distance
Mix in clinch control and body shots
Survive early storm and push pace late
FIGHT ODDS
Waldo Cortes-Acosta + 205
Sergei Pavlovich – 250
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 22, 2025
