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MARCOS ROGERIO DE LIMA VS WALDO CORTES-ACOSTA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 223? April 29th March, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 223? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 223? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 223 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 223? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MARCOS ROGERIO DE LIMA VS WALDO CORTES-ACOSTA LOWDOWN
Marcos Rogerio de Lima (20-8-1) finally broke his consecutive win / loss streak since his UFC debut. He could not manage to string two wins together in nine attempts however, after his unanimous decision over Maurice Greene, he TKO’d Ben Rothwell in the first round. After building that momentum, he went back to old ways losing a unanimous decision to Blagoy Ivanov (2022) and then responding with a submission over Andrei Arlovski (2022).
Now, he takes on Waldo Cortes-Acosta (9-0) who does not know what it feels like to lose. After knocking out Danilo Suzart (2022) on the Contender Series, he went on to rack up two unanimous decisions over Jared Vanderaa and Chase Sherman the same year to extend his unbeaten record.
MARCOS ROGERIO DE LIMA VS WALDO CORTES-ACOSTA PREDICTION
De Lima’s win over Arlovski was arguably the most impressive of his career as the former champion hand not been finished in his last four bouts. His grappling has been de Lima’s weakness in the UFC and you struggle to back him against anyone who can wrestle with jiu-jitsu.
He will be very grateful to follow up that dub with a fellow striker. However, Cortes-Acosta is a lethal boxer. He is explosive and will boast a three-inch reach and height advantage.
De Lima has a more diverse arsenal of strikes, but he loves to brawl which could play into Cortes-Acosta’s hands. The American is a devastating boxer and will eat up the mid-section and explode up top while in the pocket.
So, if de Lima decides to stand in front of Cortes-Acosta and trade we can see him getting sparked out. However, if de Lima fights smart like he did against Arlovski and mixes in his grappling, he should get the job done.
Prediction: De Lima via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Cortes-Acosta to win