Waldo Cortes-Acosta Aims to Upset Alexander Volkov in UFC 328 Title Contender Fight
A pivotal heavyweight bout has been added to the UFC 328 card, scheduled for at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Top-ranked contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta will face off in a fight that could serve as a title eliminator, according to multiple reports.
The matchup, first reported by Leo Guimares, pits the No. 2 ranked Volkov against the rapidly rising Cortes-Acosta. The event is already shaping up to be a significant one, with other bouts including Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz and Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa also confirmed.
For Volkov, this fight represents a crucial opportunity to solidify his position as the leading contender for the heavyweight championship. His recent results have been somewhat controversial, with his last two fights ending in split decisions. While many, including UFC President Dana White, believe he was unfairly scored against in his rematch with Ciryl Gane, the subsequent split decision against Jailton Almeida didn’t definitively establish his dominance. A decisive win over Cortes-Acosta is vital for him to regain momentum and secure a clear path to a title shot.
Cortes-Acosta, representing the Dominican Republic, has experienced a remarkable ascent in the heavyweight division over the past year. His journey to the UFC is an unconventional one, beginning with a baseball career in the United States before transitioning to martial arts. Initially competing in both boxing and mixed martial arts, he eventually focused solely on MMA, finding success at the regional level.
In 2022, Cortes-Acosta captured the LFA league title, defeating Thomas Peterson, who now competes in the UFC. This victory earned him a contract with Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a first-round finish of Danilo Suzarta. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ranks, winning five of his six UFC fights. His aggressive style and frequent fighting schedule have quickly established him as a force in the division.
2025 proved to be a breakout year for “Salsa Boy,” as he competed five times, earning four victories. He secured impressive finishes over Ryan Spann, Sergei Spivak, Ante Delija, and Shamil Gaziev. His only loss during that period came against Sergei Pavlovich. His most recent win, a second-round stoppage of Derrick Lewis on , propelled him to the No. 5 ranking in the division.
Cortes-Acosta’s rapid rise has been fueled by his willingness to fight frequently and his increasingly aggressive approach in the cage. He has quickly proven himself a contender, rebounding well from his defeat to Pavlovich. A victory over Volkov would undoubtedly place him in a prime position to challenge for the heavyweight title.
The heavyweight division currently faces some uncertainty with champion Tom Aspinall sidelined indefinitely due to eye injuries. Rumors of potential matchups between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira, and Jon Jones and Alex Pereira, are circulating, adding to the complexity of the title picture.
While Cortes-Acosta’s recent success is undeniable, he has yet to face an opponent of Volkov’s caliber. Volkov’s experience and technical skills present a significant challenge. Despite Cortes-Acosta’s momentum, Volkov will likely enter the fight as the favorite.
For Volkov, this fight is more than just another bout; it’s a chance to finally overcome the recent setbacks and secure the title shot he believes he deserves. His career has been marked by resilience, and he will need to draw on that experience to overcome the challenge posed by the surging Cortes-Acosta. A win would not only reaffirm his status as a top contender but also set the stage for a highly anticipated championship fight.