TLDR
- Derrick Lewis fights Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a heavyweight bout at UFC 324
- Lewis holds the UFC record for most knockout victories in heavyweight history
- Cortes-Acosta is an undefeated Cuban fighter looking to break into the division’s top ranks
- Lewis enters as the betting favorite based on his experience and power
- Both fighters have shown knockout power in their recent UFC performances
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett
Sources: UFC.com | Yahoo Sports | CBS Sports
Veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis returns to the octagon this weekend to face rising Cuban fighter Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324. The bout matches one of the division’s most experienced knockout artists against a hungry newcomer looking to make his mark.
Lewis, known as “The Black Beast,” holds the UFC record for most knockout victories in the heavyweight division with 15 finishes. The 39-year-old from Houston has competed in mixed martial arts for over a decade and fought for the heavyweight title in 2018.
Cortes-Acosta represents a new wave of Cuban fighters entering the UFC ranks. The 31-year-old has built an undefeated record in his professional career and earned his spot in the promotion through strong performances.
Both fighters bring knockout power to this matchup, making it a dangerous fight for each competitor. Lewis has finished most of his UFC wins by knockout, while Cortes-Acosta has shown similar finishing ability in his recent bouts.
UFC 324 – Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis: Preview & Betting Tipshttps://t.co/JzaF1SsKaJ#boxing #boxingnews #boxingtwitter pic.twitter.com/9zh1fzCVtA
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Tale of the Tape
Lewis stands 6 feet 3 inches tall with a reach of 79 inches. He has compiled a professional record of 28 wins and 12 losses throughout his career, with the majority of those victories coming by knockout.
Cortes-Acosta measures 6 feet 2 inches with a 75-inch reach. He brings an undefeated record into the fight and has finished several opponents in his UFC appearances so far.
The betting odds favor Lewis based on his experience at the highest level of the sport. His track record against top competition gives him an edge in the eyes of oddsmakers and many analysts.
Cortes-Acosta faces the toughest test of his career against a fighter who has competed against former champions. A victory would launch him into the heavyweight rankings and establish him as a legitimate contender.
Recent Form
Lewis has alternated between wins and losses in his recent fights. He scored a knockout victory in his last appearance inside the octagon, showing that his power remains intact despite his age.
Cortes-Acosta has won his last three UFC fights, with two of those victories coming by stoppage. His combination of wrestling skills and striking power has troubled his opponents in each bout.
The Cuban fighter trains in South Florida and has improved his technical skills with each fight. His coaches believe he possesses the tools needed to compete with the division’s elite fighters.
Lewis relies on his knockout power and experience to overcome younger, more technical opponents. He has pulled off upsets throughout his career by landing one decisive punch when opportunities arise.
The fight takes place on the main card of UFC 324, giving both fighters exposure to a large audience. A finish by either man could steal the show and earn post-fight bonuses from the promotion.
