Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Shamil Gaziev - AI generated fight pick

Waldo Cortes Acosta has shown strong consistency and durability at heavyweight, with a 15-2 record and a higher divisional ranking. He possesses a significant edge in striking defense (55% vs 45%), which is critical against heavy hitters. While both fighters have identical significant strike accuracy (48%), Acosta's higher takedown accuracy (50% vs 30%) suggests he can mix up his attack more effectively. Gaziev is dangerous early with 9 first-round finishes and a high knockout rate, but his loss to Rozenstruik exposed some defensive vulnerabilities against technical strikers. Acosta, a durable striker with solid takedown defense (71%), can use his volume and defensive awareness to avoid Gaziev's early power and take over as the fight progresses. Historically, fighters with Acosta's profile (slightly younger, higher ranked, and with better defensive metrics) have a modest edge in similar UFC heavyweight matchups. However, Gaziev's finishing ability makes him a live underdog, so the pick is made with moderate confidence rather than high certainty.