Waldo Cortes-Acosta ended November on a huge note earlier today (Sat., Nov. 22, 2025) at UFC Qatar LIVE on ESPN+ from inside the ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, stepping up on short notice to finish ranked heavyweight contender Shamil Gaziev with a blistering first-round knockout (punch).
Cortes-Acosta, who was coming off a spectacular knockout win over Ante Delija just three weeks ago (see it HERE), only had a few days to prepare for Saturday’s fight after filling in for Serghei Spivac just a few days ago.
It was a pretty risky play for the rising heavyweight contender, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of his growing UFC career.
Cortes-Acosta needed just a few moments before landing a short right hand during a wild exchange with Gaziev along the cage. Gaziev fell to the canvas and Cortes-Acosta followed up with heavy punches to the side of the head. He wasn’t able to put Gaziev out, but once the action returned to the feet Cortes-Acosta was there again for a massive right hand. Gaziev toppled to the canvas holding his face as the referee stepped in for the stoppage.
Surprisingly enough, Cortes-Acosta called for a spot on UFC’s upcoming Fight Night card on Dec. 13, which would be the sixth fight of 2025 for the Cuban heavyweight. We’ll see if UFC gets him another fight to close out the year.
Check out the video highlights below:
LIVE! Watch UFC Qatar On ESPN+ Here!
Don’t miss a single second of face punching action!
Where to Buy:
For complete UFC Qatar results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
