TLDR
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta says Tom Aspinall is ‘not a champion’ due to his lengthy absence from competition
- Aspinall’s title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in no-contest last October after an accidental eye poke
- The champion has been recovering from multiple eye procedures for nine months
- Gane won interim gold by knocking out Alex Pereira in April, but unification bout hasn’t happened
- Cortes-Acosta faces Curtis Blaydes Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena as a betting favorite
Sources: yardbarker.com | lowkickmma.com
Waldo Cortes-Acosta has publicly questioned Tom Aspinall’s status as UFC heavyweight champion ahead of his own fight this weekend. The No. 5 ranked heavyweight made the comments at Noche UFC 4 media day in Glendale, Arizona.
Aspinall’s first title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest last October when Gane accidentally poked the Englishman in both eyes during the opening round. The champion has not competed since that night and has undergone multiple eye procedures during his recovery.
Cortes-Acosta suggested that nine months is enough time for Aspinall to heal and return to action. He accused the champion of avoiding a rematch with Gane.
“It’s frustrating to see the champion be like this,” Cortes-Acosta said, according to Sherdog. “He knows that he needs to come back and fight with Ciryl Gane. For me, this is not a champion. A champion needs to be a warrior in the ring.”
Waldo Cortes Acosta calls Tom Aspinall p***y for not coming back and fighting Ciryl Gane
“Sorry for the language barrier but I think he’s got a p***y. He’s had a long time to heal. You need to be a warrior in the ring and not a p***y because we don’t know where he’s at” pic.twitter.com/LWzYSCbR5u
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) September 9, 2026
Gane Holds Interim Title While Waiting
Gane earned interim heavyweight gold with a second-round knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in April. The victory set up an undisputed title fight between Gane and Aspinall that has yet to materialize.
UFC CEO Dana White and Aspinall’s advisor Eddie Hearn have both indicated the recovery process is ongoing. No return date has been announced for the champion.
Cortes-Acosta enters Saturday’s fight with a 17-3 record and currently holds the No. 5 ranking at heavyweight. He lost a three-round decision to Alexander Volkov in May, which marked his first defeat against a top-five opponent.
His opponent Curtis Blaydes carries a 19-6 record with one no contest and sits at No. 6 in the rankings. Blaydes is known for his wrestling and takedown ability.
Betting Lines Favor Cortes-Acosta
Cortes-Acosta opened as a clear favorite for Saturday’s bout. He was listed around -198 to -200, while Blaydes came in at roughly +154 to +164.
The line has moved modestly toward Blaydes as fight week progressed. Cortes-Acosta has been available between -175 and -205, while Blaydes has shortened into the +153 to +175 range.
The method market expects a longer fight rather than an early finish. The over 2.5 rounds sits around -240, indicating bookmakers believe the fight will reach at least the halfway point of round three.
Cortes-Acosta by decision fits the market expectations. He is the higher-volume striker with strong takedown defense on his record.
Blaydes by decision offers the alternative path to victory for the underdog. His wrestling and clinch work could allow him to control rounds through takedowns and top control.
The heavyweight bout takes place on the main card beneath Jean Silva versus Jose Miguel Delgado. The event happens Saturday, September 12, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
