'The Black Beast' returns to the octagon at UFC 324, chasing another signature knockout as Derrick Lewis faces rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a pivotal heavyweight bout on the debut Paramount+ UFC card. With both fighters carrying fight-ending power, this matchup profiles as a bout that looks like a long shot to reach the judges’ scorecards.
We’ll break down our Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta prediction and UFC 324 expert pick below, including PrizePicks UFC picks and key stats for this high-level showdown between two of the UFC’s best heavyweights.
You can make UFC predictions on PrizePicks Team Picks and earn money if you're right, including on Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta, now available in 30 states.
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Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction, UFC 324 Preview
Waldo Cortes-Acosta enters UFC 324 as one of the division’s busiest and most intriguing contenders, riding the confidence of a high-pace, boxing-heavy style that consistently breaks down opponents.
His improved shot selection, durability, and willingness to pressure in the pocket have turned “Salsa Boy” into a legitimate threat near the top of the heavyweight ladder.
Across the octagon, Derrick 'The Black Beast' Lewis brings one-shot knockout power that can change any game plan in an instant. The UFC’s all-time KO leader remains dangerous late in fights, even when he’s been outworked or backed to the cage.
Lewis’ experience in five-round headliners and chaotic brawls contrasts with Cortes-Acosta’s momentum and activity. This matchup will reveal whether the veteran still has a marquee moment in him or if the surging contender is ready for a breakthrough.
UFC 324: Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Payouts
Derrick Lewis enters this heavyweight bout as the underdog, returning a 3.33x payout on PrizePicks Team Picks if he wins.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta comes in as the favorite with a 1.29x payout if he wins, via PrizePicks Team Picks, where you can pick UFC fight winners to earn real money in 30+ states.
Game Winner Payout: Derrick Lewis 3.33x | Waldo Cortes-Acosta 1.29x
Team Picks data is live at the time of writing and is subject to change.
Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction for UFC 324
Here are some UFC stats and trends to help you make your Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta prediction for UFC 324 this Saturday night.
- Lewis holds the all-time UFC knockout record with 16 KOs and an 86% career finish rate, giving him true fight-ending power at any moment.
- The 40-year-old veteran has fought for the UFC heavyweight title and has defeated elite names such as Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov and Marcin Tybura.
- "The Black Beast" most recently added to his knockout record with a 35-second demolition of Tallison Teixeira in July 2025, proving the power remains intact.
- The 34-year-old 'Salsa Boy' enters with high-level volume, landing 5.55 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy, more than doubling Lewis’ output.
- Cortes-Acosta is six years younger and carries momentum from back-to-back first-round knockouts over Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev in November 2025.
- Cortes-Acosta fought five times in 2025, making him one of the division’s busiest heavyweights, while Lewis competed just once — ring rust could be a factor.
UFC 324 Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta Start Time, How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: Main Card – 9 p.m. ET | Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta Start Time – 10:00 p.m. ET (estimate)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- TV: Paramount+
UFC 324: Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta Tale of the Tape
Here are the key stats to know for Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324.
Derrick Lewis Stats for UFC 324
Overall Record: 29-12
UFC Record: 20-10
Last 5 Fights: 3-2
Height: 6’3"
Reach: 79”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 2.5
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.56
Last Fight: Win vs. Tallison Teixeira by KO/TKO in Round 1
Finishes: 25 (24 KO/TKO/1 SUB)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Stats for UFC 324
Overall Record: 16-2
UFC Record: 9-2
Last 5 Fights: 4-1
Height: 6’4"
Reach: 78”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.5
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.35
Last Fight: Win vs. Shamil Gaziev by KO/TKO in Round 1
Finishes: 9 (8 KO/TKO/1 SUB)
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Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Pick for UFC 324 on PrizePicks
Here is our expert UFC 324 prediction and pick for Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta. All picks are available via PrizePicks MMA board.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta – 27.5 Significant Strikes
- Cortes-Acosta averages 5.55 significant strikes per minute, meaning he can clear 28 significant strikes in roughly five minutes of fight time.
- Lewis typically works at low output while waiting to counter, allowing opponents to dictate pace — he absorbs 2.49 significant strikes per minute and often shells up along the fence, where Cortes-Acosta thrives.
- In a June 2025 win, Cortes-Acosta piled up 110 significant strikes over three rounds, showing he can sustain pace well beyond the opening frame.
- Even in stoppage wins, Cortes-Acosta leans on steady accumulation rather than single-shot power — he landed 66 significant strikes in under 10 minutes in his March 2025 TKO of Ryan Spann.
- While Lewis is a knockout artist, he is notoriously durable early, with most of his losses coming via accumulation or late stoppage.
Make Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta Picks on PrizePicks
This featured bout has surging heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta taking on knockout artist Derrick Lewis in a matchup that we're likely to see a finish in — one way or another.
The UFC 324 main card featuring Lewis vs. Cortes-Acosta will be broadcast live on Paramount+ from T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, this Saturday, January 24.
You can win real money by locking in your UFC 324 predictions on PrizePicks — from the first fight of the night all the way to the lightweight main event. Pick your fighters, and win cash if you're right. You can also predict UFC winners on PrizePicks Team Picks, now available in 30 states.
Keep it locked in here with PrizePicks and the Playbook for continued UFC picks, predictions, and news.
