Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC 324 for Heavyweight Clash
The legendary Derrick Lewis enters the octagon once again at 40 years old, refusing to hang it up. Can he pull a third straight upset against a younger favorite when he takes on Waldo Cortes-Acosta? Peter Alexis breaks down this Cortes-Acosta vs. Lewis heavyweight clash at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, January 24th.
Peter Alexis - January 24, 2026, 9:00 PM EST
4 Minute ReadWaldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC 324 for Heavyweight Clash
A classic heavyweight crossroads fight hits the UFC 324 main card in Las Vegas as rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta takes on veteran knockout artist Derrick Lewis. The matchup pairs youth, consistency, and ranking against experience, power, and one of the most unpredictable fighters in UFC history.
Lewis enters at 40 years old, still flirting with retirement but refusing to go quietly. Against expectations, he has pulled off upset wins in each of his last two fights, reminding everyone why he owns the UFC record for knockouts. That said, this is not a favorable stylistic matchup. Cortes-Acosta is a far more durable, disciplined, and technically sound heavyweight than the opponents Lewis recently caught.
For Cortes-Acosta, this is a chance to make a definitive statement. The No. 5 ranked heavyweight in the world, he is six years younger, owns a 16-2 record, and has won seven of his last eight fights over the past three years. A win here keeps him firmly in the title conversation and inches him closer to elite matchups at the top of the division.
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Odds
- Moneyline: Cortes-Acosta (-330), Lewis (+270)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 10:15 PM ET (Estimated Fight Time)
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Click here for complete Cortes-Acosta vs. Lewis odds
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Prediction
Cortes-Acosta enters as a sizable favorite, and the reasons are clear. His boxing fundamentals, cardio, and defensive awareness make him one of the most reliable heavyweights in the division. He rarely overextends, absorbs damage well, and forces opponents to work far harder than they want to over extended stretches. That approach is particularly effective against aging power punchers.
Lewis remains dangerous, but the volatility that once made him terrifying now cuts both ways. Before his recent resurgence, Lewis lost four of five fights, with many observers pointing to visible decline in movement, durability, and output. While he deserves credit for winning three of his last four, asking for a third straight upset against a top five heavyweight is a tall order.
Still, fading Lewis completely is always uncomfortable. His power remains real, and Cortes-Acosta does not have the kind of speed or evasiveness that guarantees safety in the opening exchanges. Lewis often takes time to settle into fights, but he also knows how to conserve energy and survive early minutes when necessary.
That brings us to the total. Cortes-Acosta is not a reckless finisher, and Lewis, despite his reputation, has increasingly become a fighter who absorbs pressure rather than initiating chaos early. If Lewis does lose, it is more likely to come after sustained damage rather than an immediate stoppage. Even in defeat, he has shown an ability to survive into the second round.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis Pick
- Pick: Over 1.5 Rounds (-120) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook odds
MMA ODDS & PICKS
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