MMA News · 2026-09-14 · TATSU WEAR Editorial
Curtis Blaydes beat Waldo Cortes Acosta via unanimous decision (29-28 x3) at Noche UFC, using four takedowns on ten attempts to grind out a crowd-displeasing win and get back in the heavyweight win column.
What Happened
No. 10 heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (20-6, 1 NC) met No. 6 Waldo Cortes Acosta (17-4, Dominican Republic) on Sep. 12 in Glendale. Blaydes landed 24 significant strikes to Acosta’s 28 but threatened takedowns all night, making Acosta gun-shy. The crowd booed the lack of action, but Blaydes won 29-28 across the board with control.
Blaydes won two of his last three after a wild loss to Josh Hokit, showing a pragmatic side. Acosta lost his second straight after three wins and struggled to open up after being taken down four times.
Why It Matters
Heavyweight needs activity — Blaydes’ takedown control keeps him as a gatekeeper for Top 10, but the performance won’t earn a contender call. Acosta, still 17-4, needs a striking correction to avoid wrestlers camping on him.
The Details
- Event: Noche UFC 4 — Sep. 12, 2026, Glendale, AZ
- Result: Curtis Blaydes def. Waldo Cortes Acosta via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
- Records: Blaydes 20-6 (1 NC), Cortes Acosta 17-4
- Stats: Blaydes 4/10 takedowns, 24-28 sig strikes
What’s Next
Blaydes could face a Top 8 striker next; Acosta needs a lower-ranked striker to rebuild. Card context: Silva’s choke and McMillen’s war stole the night.