Match Analysis: Shamil Gaziev vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: November 22, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM UTC
- Location: Qatar
Game Overview
Waldo Cortes-Acosta steps in on short notice (3 days) to replace injured Sergei Spivac against Shamil Gaziev in a UFC heavyweight bout. This is a significant opportunity for Cortes-Acosta, though he recently dealt with an eye poke injury that he overcame to take this fight. Gaziev faces a late-notice opponent replacement, which could present both advantages and disadvantages in fight preparation.
Key Factors to Consider
- Shamil Gaziev is the original scheduled opponent facing a fresh heavyweight matchup. Waldo Cortes-Acosta has accepted a last-minute replacement fight, demonstrating willingness and confidence but facing limited preparation time.
- No prior combat history between these fighters. Both are heavyweight competitors with Gaziev being the primary scheduled fighter.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta recently suffered an eye poke injury but overcame it to accept this fight on short notice, suggesting either minor severity or exceptional determination. Sergei Spivac's injury necessitated the replacement.
- The 3-day notice for Cortes-Acosta is a substantial disadvantage in fight camp preparation, game planning, and physical conditioning. Fighting on short notice typically favors fighters with experience in such situations. Gaziev may have had extended preparation time disrupted by the opponent change.
- Cortes-Acosta is highly motivated as a replacement fighter earning significant exposure on short notice. Gaziev maintains his scheduled fight opportunity but faces adjustment to a new opponent on the event.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Gaziev +140 | Cortes-Acosta -160 | Shamil Gaziev Victory | ★★★☆☆ 62% |
| Over/under | Over 2.5 -115 | Under 2.5 -105 | Under 2.5 Rounds | ★★★☆☆ 55% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Waldo Cortes-Acosta 48% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 2.5 2% |
🔥 Best Value Pick: Waldo Cortes-Acosta at 48% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 34% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Shamil Gaziev is favored to win this matchup. The -160 moneyline for Cortes-Acosta (implying approximately 61.5% implied probability) versus +140 for Gaziev (implying approximately 41.7% implied probability) reflects the significant disadvantage of fighting on 3 days notice. Despite Cortes-Acosta's demonstrated willingness and recent eye poke recovery, the limited preparation time and disrupted training camp heavily favor Gaziev, who had planned for this bout.
Predicted Score: Shamil Gaziev defeats Waldo Cortes-Acosta via Submission or Decision in Round 2 (approximately 8-10 minutes). The fight likely remains competitive but Gaziev's superior preparation time and fighter adjustments result in dominant positioning and control, leading to either a late submission or clear-cut decision victory.