Dominican heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes Acosta has dismissed Johnny Walker's successful UFC heavyweight debut as a fortunate matchup, arguing that the Brazilian knockout artist is not ready for the division's elite. Cortes Acosta, ranked sixth in the UFC heavyweight division, will headline a UFC Fight Night card in Las Vegas on Saturday against the unranked Walker on nine days' notice.
Cortes Acosta criticized Walker's claim that training with former title challenger Alexander Volkov gives him an edge. Volkov defeated Cortes Acosta earlier this year, but the Dominican fighter pointed out that Volkov did not knock him out. "What is he learning from Alexander Volkov? Kicking and running away for his life," Cortes Acosta told CBS Sports. "If this is what you're learning, I'll chase you anywhere. I prepare for people like you or him. I'm well prepared, and I'll go for your head."
The 33-year-old former professional baseball player believes Walker would find more success at light heavyweight. "Every other heavyweight would knock him out in the first round... Now you have a real heavyweight," Cortes Acosta said, referencing Walker's win over Mick Parkin in his divisional debut.
The heavyweight landscape is shifting with Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit set to fight for the title at UFC 334 next week, followed by Sergei Pavlovich versus Alex Pereira at UFC 335. Cortes Acosta has had heated exchanges with Hokit, who previously mentioned Cortes Acosta's family. The Dominican fighter said his wife also confronted Hokit over the remarks.
Despite the risk of facing an unranked opponent on short notice, Cortes Acosta emphasized his willingness to fight anyone. "I say yes to any fighter who wants to fight me, or any fighter the UFC puts in there. I never say no," he said. "I risk everything every time I fight. It's normal for me."
