Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Ante Delija: Odds, Analysis & Pick

Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Ante Delija fight analysis

Introduction

The heavyweight showdown between Waldo Cortes Acosta and Ante Delija is set to electrify the crowd on Sunday, November 1, 2025, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. This pivotal Main Card bout (Event Stage: Main Card, Event: Garcia vs Onama) is scheduled to air at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (23:00 UTC). Neither fighter is contesting for a title, but both are eager to climb the divisional ladder in a battle that promises raw power, technical striking, and strategic grappling exchanges.

Waldo Cortes Acosta, the #6 ranked heavyweight from the Dominican Republic, enters as the betting favorite with odds of -141 (BetOnline.ag). At 33 years old, Cortes Acosta brings a polished striking arsenal—boasting a 48% significant strike accuracy and 55% defense—alongside a respectable 50% takedown success rate and 71% takedown defense. Since his UFC debut in October 2022, he has compiled a 14–2 record, delivering three first-round finishes and averaging over 12 minutes of fight time per contest. His most recent outing saw him bounce back from a unanimous-decision loss to Sergei Pavlovich by outpointing top contender Serghei Spivac unanimously in June 2025.

On the opposite side of the Octagon, Ante Delija, the #9 ranked heavyweight from Dubrovnik, Croatia, is viewed as the underdog at +121. A veteran with a 26–6 record, Delija is renowned for his explosive power—13 of his victories have come by knockout—and a blistering pace that yields an average fight length of just 2:03. Although his takedown game is undeveloped (0% success), he compensates with a 46% striking accuracy and 56% defense, mindset-shifting knockouts, and six submission wins overall. Fresh off a first-round TKO over Marcin Tybura in September 2025, Delija is riding momentum into this clash, looking to derail Cortes Acosta’s ascent.

With contrasting styles—Cortes Acosta’s methodical striking and wrestling blend versus Delija’s brute force and finishing instincts—this matchup is ripe for fireworks. As the favorite, Cortes Acosta must impose his grappling control and maintain distance to neutralize Delija’s knockout threat. The underdog, Delija, will aim to close the gap quickly, unleash his power early, and avoid prolonged wrestling exchanges. For bettors and fight fans alike, this fight is poised to deliver high drama, pivotal career implications, and potentially a highlight-reel finish in the heavyweight division.

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Ante Delija can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Garcia vs Onama can be found on the Garcia vs Onama event page.

Matchup and Fighter Profiles

Waldo Cortes Acosta Profile

Background

• Age: 33
• Country: Dominican Republic
• Fighting Style: Technical Striker with Wrestling Mix

Since bursting onto the UFC scene in October 2022, Waldo Cortes Acosta (#6 heavyweight) has carved out a 14–2 UFC record, showcasing a polished jab-heavy assault, solid wrestling entries, and iron chin. Standing 6’4″ with a 70″ reach, he blends volume striking (48% significant strike accuracy) with defensive savvy (55% sig strike defense) and a legit 50% takedown success rate against one of the division’s best TD defenses (71%).

Recent Form (Last 5 UFC Bouts)

1. Loss – Sergei Pavlovich (Unanimous Decision, Mar 2025)
2. Win – Serghei Spivac (Unanimous Decision, Jun 2025)
3. Win – Ryan Spann (KO/TKO Round 2, Mar 2025)
4. Win – Robelis Despaigne (Unanimous Decision, May 2024)
5. Win – Andrei Arlovski (Unanimous Decision, Jan 2024)

Strengths

• Durable gas tank (Avg. fight time: 12:09) allows him to maintain pressure and volume late.
• Well-rounded offense: Solid striking mix and above-average wrestling.
• High-level takedown defense (71%) neutralizes opponents’ grappling surges.
• Experience vs top contenders—able to adjust mid-fight.

Weaknesses

• Moderate finishing rate (only 7 finishes in 14 UFC wins); can drag into decision where punchers can land big.
• Occasional moments of hesitation under elite power-punchers (see Pavlovich loss).
• Relies on accumulation over one-punch explosiveness—vulnerable to sudden fight-enders.

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Ante Delija Profile

Background

• Age: 35
• Country: Croatia
• Fighting Style: Heavy-Handed Brawler / Submission Artist

Ante Delija (#9 heavyweight) brings a rugged 26–6 professional record, with half his wins by knockout (13) and six by submission. At 6’5″ with a 79″ reach, he employs brute power and angular striking, overwhelming opponents early. Though he does not shoot (0% takedown accuracy), his 56% sig strike defense and aggressive pace make him dangerous on the feet.

Recent Form (Last 5 Fights)

1. Win – Marcin Tybura (KO/TKO Round 1, Sep 2025)
2. Win – Regional Opponent A (Submission, Round 2)
3. Win – Regional Opponent B (KO/TKO, Round 3)
4. Loss – Top Prospect C (Unanimous Decision)
5. Win – Regional Opponent D (KO/TKO, Round 1)

(Note: Delija has finished four of his last five opponents, the lone loss coming via decision to a well-rounded grappler.)

Strengths

• Explosive power: 15 first-round finishes and sub-3-minute average fight time (02:03) mean he often ends fights before opponents find rhythm.
• Knockout artist: 50% of wins come by KO/TKO; any stray punch can land the fight.
• Good head movement and footwork for a heavyweight—can slip strikes and counter with power.
• Submission chops: Six career subs keep ground-minded foes honest.

Weaknesses

• Zero wrestling threat—100% reliant on keeping the fight upright; vulnerable to grappling specialists.
• Questionable cardio if fight extends beyond early rounds (has never averaged over 3 minutes).
• Finishing-focused style can lead to lulls if opponents survive the opening salvo.
• Strike defense (56%) solid but exploitable by volume strikers who mix levels and angles.

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With Cortes Acosta’s measured volume and wrestling proficiency versus Delija’s one-punch explosiveness and aggression, this heavyweight clash boils down to whether the favorite can weather the storm and drag the Croatian into deep waters—or if Delija lands quickly to derail a methodical game plan.

Betting Odds and Line Movement

Current Betting Odds

• Waldo Cortes Acosta (-141)
  • Betting Favorite
  • Available at BetOnline.ag
• Ante Delija (+121)
  • Underdog
  • Also available at BetOnline.ag

As of the most recent update, Waldo Cortes Acosta sits as the clear favorite with American odds of -141, while Ante Delija is lined at +121. This gap indicates that Cortes Acosta is expected to win more often, but Delija offers the bigger payout to those willing to back the Croatian powerhouse.

For bettors looking to lock in these lines, BetOnline.ag currently offers the most competitive pricing and a long-standing reputation for UFC markets. Their consistently updated odds and easy-to-navigate interface make them our top pick for this heavyweight clash.

Line Movement & History

• Initial Lines (Oct. 22, 2025)

  • Cortes Acosta: -141
  • Delija: +121

• Current Lines (Oct. 22, 2025 – Latest Update)

  • Cortes Acosta: -141
  • Delija: +121

Since the lines opened, there have been no significant swings in the betting market. Both fighters’ odds have remained stable, suggesting a balanced stream of bets on each side and no late-breaking news or heavy public lean skewing the market. In short, the market’s confidence in Cortes Acosta as the favorite and Delija as the underdog has held steady, making this a straightforward betting scenario.

Payout Scenarios & Implied Probabilities

If you were to bet $1,000 on either fighter at the current odds, here’s what your potential returns would look like:

• Waldo Cortes Acosta (-141)

  • Profit: Approximately $709
  • Total Payout: Approximately $1,709

• Ante Delija (+121)

  • Profit: Approximately $1,210
  • Total Payout: Approximately $2,210

While Cortes Acosta offers the safer route—reflected in his higher implied probability—Delija’s underdog line carries a more attractive upside for value seekers. Based on these odds, Cortes Acosta is viewed as having a higher chance to prevail, while Delija’s figure represents the belief that he can pull off an upset.

Summary

• Favorite: Waldo Cortes Acosta (-141 at BetOnline.ag)
• Underdog: Ante Delija (+121 at BetOnline.ag)
• Line Stability: No notable movement since opening lines
• Best Sportsbook: BetOnline.ag for sharp pricing and reliable UFC coverage
• $1,000 Bet Payouts:
  • Cortes Acosta: ~$1,709 total ($709 profit)
  • Delija: ~$2,210 total ($1,210 profit)

Whether you’re looking to play the favorite’s consistency or chase the underdog’s upside, the current lines present clear risk/reward scenarios. With no major shifts in the market to date, the choice essentially boils down to your appetite for value versus stability.