UFC - UFC Fight Night
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by Stephen Abiola | in UFC Picks
Sergei Pavlovich (19-3-0) and Waldo Cortes Acosta (14-1-0) will clash in a highly anticipated heavyweight matchup at UFC Shanghai on Saturday. Pavlovich had his impressive run of six KO wins ended by Tom Aspinal in a title matchup at UFC 295. He tried to rebound in June 2024 against Alexander Volkov, but lost via decision in the third round. Pavlovich finally won in February this year against Rozenstruik, displaying his wrestling skills with two takedowns. He’ll be eager to stun his rivals with his newly acquired skills going forward.
Waldo Cortes Acosta, on the other hand, is one of the main success stories from Dana White’s Contender Series. He will arrive in Shanghai on a five-bout winning run, looking for another win to force his way into the “Top 5” of the UFC Heavyweight division. The Dominican “Salsa Boy” has also shown recently that he can finish off his opponents, bagging two KO wins in his last five assignments. He’s undoubtedly an exciting underdog at +180.
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Sergei Pavlovich - Waldo Cortes Acosta Key Points
- Pavlovich won seven of his last nine UFC fights.
- Pavlovich won via KO/TKO in six of his last seven victories.
- The fight didn’t go the distance in eight of the last 10 Pavlovich fights.
- The total rounds went under 2.5 in eight of the last 10 Pavlovich fights.
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Our Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta Prediction
We expect a thriller as Pavlovich will want to prove he’s a level ahead of Acosta. Conversely, his rival can earn a place among the division’s elite with his sixth straight victory. The Dominican boasts better wrestling skills in this bout, averaging a takedown success rate of 50%. He’s also a big swinging boxer who loves to push forward. However, Pavlovich is a hard-hitting boxer who can end this fight in the first round. He’s the more powerful and experienced fighter and will want to land big shots on his rival, who is still learning his KO trade.
Our prediction for Sergei Pavlovich vs Waldo Cortes Acosta: KO win for Pavlovich in the first two rounds.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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