- Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Johnny Walker: Fight Preview
- UFC Vegas 124 Event
- Location: Apex, Las Vegas
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
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On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Waldo Cortes Acosta will take on Johnny Walker in the Octagon at UFC Vegas 124. The initial betting odds see Acosta favored at -225, while Walker is listed at +189.
Known as “Salsa Boy,” Waldo Cortes Acosta enters the octagon with a professional record of 17 wins and 4 losses. At 35 years old, he tips the scales at 260 lbs and stands 6’4″ tall, boasting a reach of 78 inches. His opponent, Johnny Walker, stands slightly taller at 6’6″ and weighs in at 242 lbs, bringing a professional record of 23 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest. The 34-year-old Walker has a reach of 82 inches. When discussing striking statistics, Cortes Acosta lands an average of 5.03 significant strikes per minute, compared to Walker’s 3.98. Notably, Cortes Acosta has an accuracy rate of 47% for significant strikes, whereas Walker boasts an impressive 55%. Defensively, Acosta absorbs 3.44 significant strikes per minute, while Walker absorbs 2.99. In terms of defense, Cortes Acosta successfully deflects 55% of strikes aimed at him, while Walker manages to block 45% of incoming attacks.
| UFC Vegas 124 | Waldo Cortes Acosta | Johnny Walker |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | -225 | +189 |
| Record | 17-4-0 | 23-10-0 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 11:00 | 7:03 |
| Height | 6’4″ | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 260 lbs | 242 lbs |
| Reach | 78″ | 82″ |
| Strikes Landed Per Minute | 5.03 | 3.98 |
| Striking Accuracy | 47% | 55% |
When it comes to grappling, Waldo Cortes Acosta has the advantage in wrestling, securing takedowns at a rate of 0.36 per 15 minutes with a success rate of 50%, while defending against 69% of his opponents’ takedown attempts. Johnny Walker equally matches with a takedown success rate of 50% and defends against 57% of attempted takedowns. In submission attempts, Cortes Acosta averages only 0.1 per 3 rounds, while Walker’s average stands at 0.7.
In his previous match, Waldo Cortes Acosta faced Curtis Blaydes, suffering a unanimous decision loss in the third round. Blaydes successfully landed 32 of 82 total strikes, while Acosta managed 30 of 97. In terms of significant strikes, Blaydes hit 24 of 74 for a 32% accuracy rate and landed 5 of the 50 aimed at the head. Conversely, Acosta landed 28 of 95 significant strikes, giving him a 29% accuracy rate, connecting on 21 of 87 aimed at the head. Notably, both fighters landed 95% of their significant strikes from a distance.
In Johnny Walker’s last bout against Mick Parkin, he claimed victory with a knee strike in the first round. Parkin achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in significant strikes from distance, while Walker connected on 82% of his attempts. Walker overall landed 71% of significant strikes, hitting 23 of 32, and landed 6 of 14 aimed at the head. Parkin managed 11 of 16 significant strikes during the fight, hitting 2 of 6 at the head. In total, Parkin landed 14 of 19 strikes, while Walker had a successful record of 23 out of 32 strikes thrown.
Notable Fights on the Card
A key match not to be overlooked features Davey Grant squaring off against Elijah Smith. Grant, with a record of 18-8-0, is eager to add to his wins as he steps into the cage at 135 lbs and 5’8″, with a reach of 69 inches. Smith, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 135 lbs, enters with a record of 10-1-0 and boasts a reach of 71 inches. In grappling, Grant averages 0.95 takedowns per 3 rounds, while Smith manages to achieve 2.98 takedowns per 15 minutes. In striking, Grant lands 5.58 strikes per minute with a 45% accuracy rate, while Smith averages 4.18 strikes landed with a 48% accuracy.
Another exciting matchup features Wellington Turman facing Seokhyeon Ko. Ko holds a record of 13-3-0, weighing in at 170 lbs and at 5’10”. The southpaw boasts a reach of 71 inches. Turman, also fighting at 170 lbs, measures 6’0″ and looks to enhance his career record of 18-8-0. With respect to grappling, Ko successfully defends against 50% of takedowns and completes 52% of his attempts, while Turman is successful on 20% of takedown attempts and defends 42%. In striking metrics, Ko absorbs 1.93 strikes per minute and lands 3.15, while Turman takes 4.17 strikes per minute and lands 3.23.
Who will prevail in tonight’s UFC matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Waldo Cortes Acosta (-225)
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