LAS VEGAS – Waldo Cortes-Acosta didn’t get a finish in his debut, but was glad to have the chance to express himself while showing his abilities on the main card of UFC Fight Night 213.
The Dominican heavyweight was unable to put Jared Vanderaa away, despite landing a number of hard punches that found their target. In return, Vanderaa (12-10 MMA, 1-6 UFC) landed hard leg kicks that Cortes-Acosta (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) appeared to have no answer for initially, but drew out audible taunts and emotion.
“Yeah, I felt them, but that’s why we’re here,” Cortes-Acosta told reporters through an interpreter at the post-fight news conference. “It’s a war, and whatever he needs to do. If your leg is shot, whatever happens, you need to keep pounding.”