“I’m born in the Dominican Republic. Over there, they’re warriors, and having my family here, my country watching me, I want to (bring pride) to my family, my country, all the people following me,” began Cortes Acosta, who is slated to face Derrick Lewis at UFC 324 on January 24.
“I feel every time I fight more frequently like that, I get more familiar with the (Octagon), more trust in my body, everything,” he added. “Everything is getting better when you’re fighting fast like that.”
2026 DIVISION PREVIEWS: Lightweight | Welterweight | Flyweight
The bout with Lewis stands as another measuring stick opportunity for the ascending heavyweight, who currently sits at No. 5 in the rankings, three places ahead of his veteran opponent.
While Cortes Acosta in higher up in the rankings, Lewis is the far more established of the two, owning 20 wins and a UFC record 16 knockouts over his dozen years competing in the Octagon. He has been and remains the dangerous, tenured foe most hopefuls need to pass in order to establish themselves as a legitimate contender.
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