Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Fight Night 257 Prediction and Betting Odds – Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

Knockout artist Pavlovich battles Cortes-Acosta in a high-stakes heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 257.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta square off in the heavyweight division on UFC Fight Night 257. Pavlovich, a proven contender with devastating knockout power, looks to defend his spot among the elite after recent ups and downs. Cortes-Acosta, meanwhile, rides a five-fight winning streak and is eager to prove his case as a legitimate title challenger. With two dangerous punchers, this clash has major divisional stakes.

PAVLOVICH POWER 💥

Sergei Pavlovich is back in action this weekend! 🔥#UFCShanghai | Saturday, 9am | LIVE on TNT Sports 4 and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/k7aBthgy8A
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 20, 2025

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Preview

Pavlovich (19-3) has been a staple in the heavyweight elite since 2018, going 7-3 in the UFC. Known for his massive 84-inch reach and explosive striking, Pavlovich has finished 15 of his 19 wins by knockout. While he stumbled with back-to-back losses to Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov, he rebounded in February 2025 with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Statistically, Pavlovich lands 4.54 significant strikes per minute with 43% accuracy while absorbing 3.81. His striking defense of 54% and takedown defense of 75% highlight his ability to stay upright and impose his hands.

Sergei Pavlovich shows off his current physique a month out from his #UFCShanghai return against Waldo Cortes-Acosta 😳 pic.twitter.com/WIlRcBoWJn
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 16, 2025

Cortes-Acosta (14-1) represents one of the division’s fastest-rising fighters. Since joining the UFC in 2022, he has gone 7-1, including five straight wins over names like Serghei Spivac, Ryan Spann, and veteran Andrei Arlovski. Standing 6’4” with a 78-inch reach, Cortes-Acosta brings volume boxing to the heavyweight division, landing 5.98 strikes per minute at 48% accuracy. He absorbs just 3.43 strikes per minute, with a solid striking defense of 55%. This fight, however, marks his toughest test yet against a proven knockout machine in Pavlovich.

Big shots served by Salsa Boy! 🕺

Expect more from Waldo Cortes-Acosta as he faces Sergei Pavlovich on #UFCShanghai! pic.twitter.com/1uSQm07fXP
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) August 22, 2025

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta MMA Betting Odds

Per BetMGM, Pavlovich is the betting favorite at -275, while Cortes-Acosta enters as the underdog at +200. Oddsmakers favor Pavlovich’s experience and proven finishing ability, though Cortes-Acosta’s recent momentum makes him an intriguing upset pick.

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Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction

Cortes-Acosta has shown durability, but Pavlovich’s mix of reach, power, and improved cardio makes him a dangerous matchup. If Pavlovich pressures early and establishes his jab, he can set up the knockout. That said, Cortes-Acosta’s volume and patience could help drag the fight into deeper rounds, where he thrives. Expect fireworks early, but Pavlovich’s experience should carry him through.

Prediction: Sergei Pavlovich via TKO

Mandatory Image Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Pavlovich

UFC Fight Night 257

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.