The upcoming UFC Fight Night 254 on March 15, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, features an intriguing preliminary card bout between Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta and Ryan “Superman” Spann. This Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Ryan Spann matchup is particularly compelling as it marks Spann’s debut in the heavyweight division, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fight enthusiasts and bettors alike.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Ryan Spann Preview
Waldo Cortes-Acosta enters this bout with a professional record of 12 wins and 1 loss. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 260 pounds, he possesses a reach of 78 inches. Known for his striking prowess, Cortes-Acosta lands an average of 5.64 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 48%. Defensively, he absorbs 3.60 significant strikes per minute and boasts a defense rate of 52%. His grappling statistics include an average of 0.55 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 60% takedown accuracy and a 60% takedown defense.
Ryan Spann, making his heavyweight debut, holds a record of 22 wins and 10 losses. He stands slightly taller at 6 feet 5 inches with a reach of 79 inches. Previously competing in the light heavyweight division, Spann lands 3.30 significant strikes per minute with a 40% striking accuracy. He absorbs 3.90 significant strikes per minute and has a defense rate of 43%. Spann’s grappling credentials are notable, averaging 1.32 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 35% takedown accuracy and a 50% takedown defense. Additionally, he averages 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes, highlighting his submission skills.
Betting Insights
The betting landscape for this fight presents Waldo Cortes-Acosta as the favorite, with odds from Sportzino putting him around -180, while Ryan Spann is the underdog at +145. These odds suggest that bettors believe Cortes-Acosta’s experience and success in the heavyweight division give him an advantage over Spann, who is transitioning from light heavyweight.
Additional betting insights include:
- Method of Victory: Bettors anticipate a high likelihood of a knockout or technical knockout, given both fighters’ striking capabilities. Cortes-Acosta’s striking volume and accuracy make him a candidate for a KO/TKO victory, while Spann’s power and submission skills offer multiple pathways to victory.
- Fight Duration: The odds indicate a 65% probability of the fight lasting over 1.5 rounds. This suggests that while an early finish is possible, there’s a reasonable expectation that the bout could extend into the later rounds.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Ryan Spann Prediction
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-180) over Ryan Spann
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- We expect a rough transition to the heavyweight division for Spann in this fight.
- Spann’s only win in his last four fights came against an over the hill Ovince Saint Preux.
This matchup hinges on several critical factors:
- Spann’s Transition to Heavyweight: Spann’s move to the heavyweight division introduces questions about his ability to handle the increased power and size of heavyweight opponents. While his height and reach are comparable to Cortes-Acosta’s, the weight difference could impact his performance, particularly in absorbing strikes and grappling exchanges.
- Cortes-Acosta’s Striking Volume: Cortes-Acosta’s high output of significant strikes per minute could overwhelm Spann if he cannot effectively manage the distance or implement his grappling. However, this aggressive approach could also expose him to counterattacks.
- Spann’s Submission Threat: With an average of 1.7 submissions per 15 minutes, Spann’s grappling presents a legitimate threat. If he can take the fight to the ground, he may exploit potential gaps in Cortes-Acosta’s ground game.
Considering these factors, the prediction leans toward Waldo Cortes-Acosta securing a victory, likely via knockout or technical knockout in the second round. His experience and proven track record in the heavyweight division, combined with his striking volume and accuracy, provide him with the tools to capitalize on Spann’s inexperience at this weight class. However, bettors should remain cautious of Spann’s submission capabilities, which could alter the fight’s outcome if he successfully implements his grappling strategy.
