Andrei Arlovski vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Former UFC heavyweight champion and veteran Andrei Arlovski faces a tough task in his bid to return to winning ways when he clashes with former LFA champ and Dana White Contender Series alum Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card of UFC Fight Night 234 on January 14. One of the oldest active fighters in the MMA world, the record-breaking Belarusian-American on a two-fight skid,,is a massive underdog against the up-and-coming Dominican who earned his first stoppage in the UFC last August. The fight takes place at the UFC Apex.

Following a loss to now interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in 2021, Andrei Arlovski went on a four-fight winning streak, all by decision. The 44-year-old’s run was ended in late 2022 by Marcos Rogério de Lima. Last June, Arlovski was knocked out by Don’Tale Males in the second round of their match. The veteran made his professional debut in 1999 in Saint Petersburg with a loss against Vyacheslav Datsik. “The Pitbull” first competed in the UFC in 2000 before returning in 2014. The former UFC heavyweight champion holds multiple records in the promotion, including most wins in the heavyweight division, most decision bouts, and most strikes landed.

• Age: 44
• Height: 6’ 4”
• Reach: 77”
• Weight: 245 lbs
• Record: 34-22, (2 NC)

After winning the LFA heavyweight gold in early 2022, Dominican Waldo Cortes-Acosta participated in the Dana White Contender Series and earned a UFC contract with the stoppage of Danilo Suzart. 3-1 in his first four UFC fights, 31-year-old “Salsa Boy” recovered from his first professional loss - a decision to Marcos Rogério de Lima - with a first-round TKO of Lukasz Brzeski. The win over Brzeski earned Waldo Cortes-Acosta his first stoppage in the UFC and showcased the deadly striking skills of the former professional boxer.

• Age: 44
• Height: 6’ 4”
• Reach: 78”
• Weight: 262.5 lbs
• Record: 34-22, (2 NC)

Andrei Arlovski is a 4.1 underdog on Betwinner. On Bet365, the former champ is a 4.00 underdog. 1XBET prices Yes to the start of round three at 1.97 and the No at 1.71 odds.