Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta
Last week, the MMA world received explosive news that promises fireworks inside the Octagon. Dominican powerhouse Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta (17-2) is stepping up to fight the #2 ranked Alexander “Drago” Volkov (39-11). This massive clash serves as the co-main event at UFC 328 on May 9th. Taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, this heavyweight showdown will determine who claims the #1 spot.
The Unlikely Rise of a Latino Heavyweight
Cortes-Acosta is a true underdog who constantly proves the critics wrong. From a professional baseball career to pro boxing, he has fought through the odds to reach the pinnacle of combat sports. Now, he stands proudly as the most prominent Latino heavyweight in the UFC since Cain Velasquez. His 2025 campaign was nothing short of legendary. He powered through multiple opponents, including taking a fight on just three days’ notice. After flying halfway across the globe and enduring a brutal eye poke, he still secured a spectacular, patch-worthy victory.
Arizona Training Camp: Preparing for Volkov
To prepare for Volkov’s veteran striking, Cortes-Acosta is grinding out intense sessions in Arizona. He trains daily under the expert guidance of Javier “Chunty Boy” Torres. Their camp features hours of grueling cross-discipline work designed to counter Volkov’s reach. Furthermore, the gym is packed with elite sparring partners, featuring a vibrant who’s who of UFC and Bareknuckle Boxing (BKB) veterans. Every moment is dedicated to ensuring he powers through his rival with absolute zero mercy.
UFC 328 Fight Card and Streaming Details
This is a fight card everyone has been waiting for, filled with moments that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. UFC 328 streams exclusively on Paramount+ and kicks off at 05:00 PM ET. Setting the stage for the heavyweight clash is a highly anticipated main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. Here is the full, stacked fight card:
- Main Event (Middleweight Title):
- Khamzat Chimaev (15-0, #1) vs. Sean Strickland (30-7, #3)
- Co-Main Event (Heavyweight):
- Alexander Volkov (39-11, #2) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2, #5)
- Welterweight:
- Sean Brady (18-2, #9) vs. Joaquin Buckley (21-7, #4)
- Middleweight:
- Ateba Gautier (10-1, #47) vs. Ozzy Diaz (10-3, #64)
- Lightweight Prelim:
- King Green (34-17-1, #39) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-22, #81)
- Light Heavyweight:
- Jan Błachowicz (29-11-2, #10) vs. Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1, #9)
- Middleweight Prelim:
- Roman Kopylov (14-5, #25) vs. Marco Tulio (14-2, #41)
- Flyweight Prelim:
- Clayton Carpenter (8-2, #27) vs. Jose Ochoa (8-2, #17)
- Middleweight Prelim:
- Baisangur Susurkaev (11-0, #50) vs. Djorden Santos (11-2, #58)
