Waldo Cortes-Acosta
The heavyweight division is about to shake. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brings a massive showdown to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Fans are buzzing about UFC 328. This historic bout features Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta taking on Alexander “Drago” Volkov.
From Baseball Diamond to the Octagon
Cortes-Acosta has a fascinating story. Born in the Dominican Republic, he originally chased a career in professional baseball. At age 24, he traded his bat for gloves. He stepped into the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts. That amazing pivot paid off big time.
After training, he dominated early regional circuits. He even claimed the LFA Heavyweight Championship after defeating Thomas Petersen on April 15, 2022, at LFA 129. Earning his UFC contract through a fierce first-round knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, he never looked back. Today, the surging star commands the #4 spot in the global heavyweight rankings and proudly stands as the only Latino heavyweight in UFC history.
A Historic Rise to Contender Status
The “Salsa Boy” is building a terrifying resume. He tied the record for the most bouts in a calendar year, fighting five times in 2025. That unbelievable run included highlight-reel knockouts against Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev. Both explosive finishes earned him exciting Performance of the Night bonuses.
He kicked off 2026 with a massive statement. In January, he stopped former title challenger Derrick Lewis with a brutal second-round technical knockout. Now, he stands on the cusp of true greatness. As the only Latino heavyweight in UFC history, he carries the pride of his heritage into every single battle.
Do Not Miss This Heavyweight War
Alexander Volkov stands directly in his way. “Drago” is a legendary veteran known for precise striking and elite reach. This stylistic matchup promises absolute fireworks. Cortes-Acosta relies on raw power, heavy hands, and relentless forward pressure. Conversely, Volkov uses calculating technique to break opponents completely down.
Will the Dominican powerhouse finally secure his shot at UFC gold? Or will the Russian veteran completely derail the hype train? The world will find out soon. Tune in to watch this epic clash. Catch all the live action streaming exclusively on Paramount Plus Saturday.
