Highlights! Waldo Cortes-Acosta shines with short-notice knockout over Shamil Gaziev at UFC Qatar

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!

MIDDLE EAST MAYHEM! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to action on Sat., Nov. 22, 2025, with an exciting main event set to headline UFC Qatar inside ABHA Arena in Doha. In the ESPN+-streamed main event, Lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker clash in a high-stakes, five-round bout. The co-main event features a Welterweight showdown between Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry, with future 170-pound title shot implications on the line. The card will also showcase a Light Heavyweight showdown pitting Volkan Oezdemir vs. Alonzo Menifield, a Heavyweight collision featuring Serghei Spivac vs. Shamil Gaziev, and much more! The start time is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard) and 1 p.m. ET (main card).

Don’t miss a single second of face punching action!

Where to Buy:

• Check price at STREAM UFC Qatar

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For complete UFC Qatar results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.