UFC 316 – Serghei Spivac vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta – Full Fight Replay Available Today

At UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, heavyweight contenders Serghei Spivac and Waldo Cortes-Acosta collided inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in a clash that pitted grinding grappling against explosive boxing. Over three grueling rounds, the fight played out as a tactical battle of styles—one that tested both fighters’ conditioning, discipline, and willingness to dig deep when things got ugly.

Spivac wasted no time asserting his game plan, closing the distance early and forcing Cortes-Acosta to fight off repeated takedown attempts. The Moldovan heavyweight chained together clinch pressure and upper-body throws, dragging the fight to the canvas midway through the first round. Once on top, Spivac used his trademark smothering top control to wear down Cortes-Acosta, landing short elbows and nullifying any escape attempts. Though Cortes-Acosta managed to scramble back to his feet before the round ended, he had already spent precious energy fighting off the pressure.

In the second round, Cortes-Acosta adjusted, keeping the fight at range and letting his hands go. His jab began to find a home, and he connected with a solid right cross that briefly forced Spivac to retreat. The Dominican heavyweight used good footwork and takedown defense to avoid being grounded, and for much of the round, he dictated the action with cleaner, sharper striking. Spivac remained dangerous, though, and continued to hunt for clinches whenever Cortes-Acosta overcommitted.

The final round was a battle of attrition. Spivac, despite wearing damage, stuck to his game plan and pushed Cortes-Acosta against the fence, grinding out control time and scoring a crucial takedown late in the round. Cortes-Acosta tried to turn the tide with bursts of offense, but Spivac’s grappling edge and positional dominance proved decisive in the final minutes.

When the judges rendered their scores—29-28, 29-28, and 30-27—it was Serghei Spivac who earned the unanimous decision victory. It was a textbook performance in pressure and control, the kind of win that keeps Spivac in the heavyweight mix. For Cortes-Acosta, it was a valuable lesson in handling relentless grapplers, though his improved striking and takedown defense showed clear signs of growth. It wasn’t the flashiest fight of the night, but it was a grueling chess match that reminded everyone just how tough life in the UFC’s heavyweight division can be.