​Heavyweight contenders Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Curtis Blaydes are reportedly slated to clash in the near future. According to MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Damon Martin, with information from sources familiar with the negotiations, Cortes-Acosta (17-3) is set to take on Blaydes (19-6, 1 NC) at Noche UFC 4 on September 19, with a venue still to be determined. The preliminary report was originally published by MMA Junkie.
Cortes-Acosta, currently ranked No. 7, had a standout 2025 campaign. He opened the year by securing two straight victories before dropping a decision to Sergei Pavlovich in May. He rebounded in impressive fashion, rattling off three consecutive wins, including November triumphs over Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev, and he closed the season with a second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis. The momentum did not carry into 2026, as Cortes-Acosta was edged by Alexander Volkov via decision at UFC 328 in his first fight of the year.
Blaydes, positioned at No. 8, has faced a stretch of mixed results in recent years, managing to win only two of his last five outings. His most recent appearance came at UFC 327, where he suffered a decision defeat to Josh Hokit in a high-octane three-round battle that showcased Blaydes’ durability and dramatic pace. The fight delivered a Fight of the Night performance bonus for both participants, underscoring the entertaining, heavyweights-focused action that Blaydes brings to the Octagon.
If confirmed, the Cortes-Acosta vs. Blaydes matchup would add another compelling chapter to the UFC’s heavyweight division, a roster known for its dynamic power, grappling clashes, and high-stakes title implications. Cortes-Acosta’s athleticism and finishing ability contrast with Blaydes’ wrestling base and ground-and-pound pressure, setting the stage for a clash that could influence the division’s top tier and potential title picture.
Noche UFC 4 has been generating considerable buzz among fans who crave heavyweight action, with the event expected to feature a slate of marquee bouts designed to elevate the credibility and marketability of the division. The pairing of Cortes-Acosta and Blaydes would not only satisfy demand for elite-level matchups but also offer a clear, strategic path for each fighter as they navigate the rest of the year and position themselves for future title conversations.
As the situation stands, discussions about Cortes-Acosta vs. Blaydes are ongoing, with no official confirmation from the UFC pressed at this moment. Fans should stay tuned for final confirmation and the official bout announcement, including the exact location and any additional fight card details, as Noche UFC 4 approaches.