UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang (UFC on ESPN+ 115), set for August 23, 2025, at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Shanghai, China, features a high-stakes heavyweight clash between #3-ranked Sergei Pavlovich and #6-ranked Waldo Cortes-Acosta. The bout pits Pavlovich’s explosive knockout power against Cortes-Acosta’s durability and steady volume striking in a matchup that could reshape the heavyweight title picture.

Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich (19–3) has established himself as one of the most feared punchers in UFC heavyweight history. The former Fight Nights Global heavyweight champion holds 15 knockouts among his 19 career wins and built a reputation for his lightning-fast hands and first-round finishing ability. He stormed through Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Curtis Blaydes in a devastating three-fight stretch, all ending inside the opening round.

However, Pavlovich’s rise was slowed when he suffered consecutive losses to Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov, exposing defensive lapses and cardio concerns in extended fights. He rebounded in February 2025 with a composed unanimous decision over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, proving he could manage a measured pace across three rounds instead of relying solely on early fireworks.

Pavlovich’s keys to victory will be applying sharp pressure in the opening minutes, using his reach to land straight shots down the middle, and forcing Cortes-Acosta into exchanges where his one-punch power is most dangerous.

Sergei Pavlovich – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Feb 1, 2025
2. Loss vs. Alexander Volkov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ABC, Jun 22, 2024
3. Loss vs. Tom Aspinall – KO (Punches) – UFC 295, Nov 11, 2023 – Interim Title Fight
4. Win vs. Curtis Blaydes – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, Apr 22, 2023
5. Win vs. Tai Tuivasa – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, Dec 3, 2022

Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14–1) has rapidly climbed into the top 10 with a blend of durability, clean boxing fundamentals, and a workmanlike pace that wears down opponents. A former LFA heavyweight champion, the Dominican contender has gone 6–1 since entering the UFC in 2022, with notable wins over Andrei Arlovski, Robelis Despaigne, and most recently Serghei Spivac in June 2025.

Cortes-Acosta’s lone career setback came by decision to Marcos Rogério de Lima, but since then he has improved defensively and developed a patient approach that frustrates opponents. He has never been knocked out, an important factor against a finisher like Pavlovich, and often finds success dragging opponents into later rounds where his consistency shines.

His keys to victory will be surviving the initial burst, sticking behind his jab to disrupt Pavlovich’s rhythm, and steadily outworking him as the fight progresses. If he can extend the fight past the opening frame, his chances of controlling the pace increase significantly.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Serghei Spivac – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 316, Jun 7, 2025
2. Win vs. Ryan Spann – KO (Punches) – UFC FN, Mar 15, 2025
3. Win vs. Robelis Despaigne – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, May 11, 2024
4. Win vs. Andrei Arlovski – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Jan 13, 2024
5. Win vs. Łukasz Brzeski – KO (Punches) – UFC FN, Aug 26, 2023

Prediction

This matchup is a classic heavyweight contrast: Pavlovich is at his most dangerous in the first five minutes, while Cortes-Acosta typically shines as the rounds go deeper. Pavlovich’s hand speed and finishing instincts remain elite, but his recent losses showed that patient opponents who can weather the storm and extend him are capable of neutralizing his power.

Cortes-Acosta’s jab, chin, and ability to maintain output give him a realistic chance to frustrate Pavlovich if he can stay disciplined early. The Russian must either land a decisive shot in the first round or manage his energy to avoid being picked apart later. The durability of Cortes-Acosta combined with his ability to win rounds makes him a dangerous opponent for a front-loaded knockout artist.

Pavlovich remains one of the most explosive fighters in the division, but Waldo Cortes-Acosta’s durability and cardio are key advantages in a three-round fight. If Cortes-Acosta survives the first round, he is likely to take over with steady boxing and volume.

Prediction: Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Sergei Pavlovich via Decision (Unanimous)

A win would propel Cortes-Acosta closer to a top-five matchup, while Pavlovich will look to regroup if he cannot recapture his early-career finishing magic.