On Saturday, we get a UFC Fight Night in Shanghai that promises to produce fireworks, especially in the featured heavyweight bout on the main card, as Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich squares off against surging Cuban sensation Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
Before the spotlight shines on the main event showdown between Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang, the heavyweight clash between Pavlovich and Cortes-Acosta carries huge stakes — the winner could catapult themselves into title contention in a wide-open division.
We’ll break down our Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta prediction and expert pick for UFC Shanghai below, including PrizePicks UFC picks for this heavyweight slobber-knocker.
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UFC Shanghai: Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta Preview
Sergei Pavlovich (19-3) was able to finally get back into the win column in his last fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. However, he certainly wants to regain his prior form, where he's rattled off six straight first-round knockouts.
In contrast, Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14-1) has been on a sneaky-good run, riding a five-fight winning streak. He's coming off a questionable decision against Sergei Spivac — 10-of-13 media members scored the fight 29-28 for Spivac.
If this fight plays out on the feet, then we are going to be in for a treat.
Pavlovich has the power to end the night quickly, but Salsa Boy Cortes-Acosta has the slick boxing that could have him dancing circles in this fight.
We could see a barnburner between these two heavy-hitting heavyweights in Shanghai.
Pavlovich and Cortes-Acosta combined for 21 knockouts, leaving little room for error in this fight. It'll be exciting to see if these two knockout artists live up to the hype and put on a show for the fans in Chinal.
Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta Start Time & Stats
Who doesn’t love fights with their coffee in the morning? UFC Shanghai is set for an early start time in the U.S., with Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta kickstarting our Saturday morning.
How to Watch Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta
- Date: Saturday August 23, 2025
- Time: Main Card - 6 a.m. ET | Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta Start Time: 7 a.m. ET (estimate)
- Location: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Xuhui District China
- TV: ESPN+
Sergei Pavlovich Stats
- Overall Record: 19-3
- UFC Record: 7-3
- Last 5 Fights: 3-2
- Height: 6'3"
- Reach: 84”
- Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 4.54
- Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.63
- Last Fight: Win vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik by Decision
- Finishes: 15 (15 KO/TKO)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta Stats
- Overall Record: 14-1
- UFC Record: 7-1
- Last 5 Fights: 5-0
- Height: 6’4”
- Reach: 78”
- Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.98
- Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.42
- Last Fight: Win vs. Serghei Spivac by Decision
- Finishes: 7 (6 KO/TKO/1 SUB)
Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta Prediction & Pick
Sergei Pavlovich (19-3) will look to halt the hype train of Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14-1) this Saturday in Shanghai, China.
He certainly has had some mixed results since looking a true contender for the UFC heavyweight championship.
Pavlovich had been wreaking havoc in the heavyweight division, knocking out six straight leading up to his interim title fight against Tom Aspinall. Aspinall obliterated Pavlovich’s title hopes, sending him back to the drawing board — he's just 1-2 in his last three fights.
For as big as Pavlovich is, he’s deceptively fast with his strikes. This has allowed him to hit the target before his opponent can get in rhythm.
And with Pavlovich having the longest reach in the heavyweight division at 84 inches, it makes it difficult for his opponents to get within striking range.
As for Cortes-Acosta, he has exceeded expectations during his time in the UFC, proving the doubters wrong. He has rattled off five-straight wins after suffering his first professional defeat to Marcos Rogerio de Lima.
When it comes to his fighting style, the Salsa Boy moniker is truly something he embraces. He utilizes great footwork, head movement, and slick boxing for a 6'4", 265-pound heavyweight.
He’s not a fighter who’s looking to stand and trade in the center, but looks for angles to land his strikes and then get out of harm's way.
It will be Cortes-Acosta’s counters that will serve him well in this matchup. Slipping and ripping combinations will be key to his success against his toughest adversary.
This fight between Pavlovich and Cortes-Acosta has the makings of being an instant classic, for however long it lasts. The question becomes: Will Pavlovich’s lightning-fast KO power overwhelm Cortes-Acosta’s slick boxing, or will Salsa Boy dance his way to an upset?
Prediction: Waldo Cortes-Acosta – 1.5 Total Rounds
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta's average fight time is 11:50.
- Cortes-Acosta has 7 wins by decision.
- Three out of his last four fights have gone the distance.
- Sergei Pavlovich has gone to a decision in back-to-back fights.
Find more UFC Shanghai predictions and picks here for all main card fights
Make UFC Shanghai Predictions on PrizePicks
UFC Shanghai: Walker vs Zhang is set for this Saturday, August 23, live on ESPN+ from Shanghai Indoor Stadium in Xuhui District, China.
The featured heavyweight bout on the main card pits two behemoths — Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta — against one another as they both look to put themselves into title contention in the wide open heavyweight division.
This UFC Shanghai fight card has some high-level prospects looking to make a name for themselves, and with a fight like Pavlovich vs. Cortes-Acosta, this is a special Fight Night.
You can win real money by locking in your UFC Shanghai predictions on PrizePicks — from the first fight of the night all the way to the light heavyweight main event.
Just go to the PrizePicks MMA board, pick two or more UFC fighter projections, lock in your Lineup, and cash in if your picks are on point.
