UFC Shanghai: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Live round-by-round updates

UFC Shanghai features a heavyweight showdown between Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card.

Pavlovich is a seasoned fighter who has been in the promotion for over five years. After losing on his UFC debut against Alistair Overeem, the Russian went into a five-fight win streak, earning a chance to compete for the interim heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295. Following his loss to Aspinall, Pavlovich went 1-1 in his next two bouts.

On the other hand, Cortes-Acosta is an up-and-coming fighter who entered the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series in 2022. He boasts a UFC record of 7-1, with his most recent victory coming against Serghei Spivac at UFC 316.

Both Pavlovich and Cortes-Acosta are known for their precise striking skills, and they will be looking forward to utilizing them more efficiently in the upcoming heavyweight clash.

UFC Shanghai is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in the Xuhui District of China. The prelims will begin at 3 AM ET / 12 AM PT, while the main card action gets underway at 6 AM ET / 3 AM PT, live on ESPN+. Fans in India can watch the event on Sony LIV.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates.

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Round 1

Pavlovich starts as the aggressor, while Cortes-Acosta looks for openings and throws leg kicks. Pavlovich lands a big right and continues the pressure. Cortes-Acosta connects a right overhand in counter. Cortes-Acosta lands another right overhand, while Pavlovich throws a one-two combination. The Russian connects a right uppercut.

Our Score: 10-9 Pavlovich

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Round 2

Cortes-Acosta throws a calf kick. Pavlovich connects right hooks in the counter. He lands another right overhand, almost wobbling Cortes-Acosta. Pavlovich keeps constant pressure and pushes Cortes-Acosta to the fences. He lands another big right overhand. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hook but also gets hit by Pavlovich's counter strikes.

Our Score: 10-9 Pavlovich. Overall 20-18 Pavlovich.

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Round 3

Cortes-Acosta swings big right overhand and misses. Pavlovich reacts with a steep jab. Both start connecting calf kicks. Pavlovich connects with another big overhand strike. He also lands a left check hook. Pavlovich maintains the distance and throws jabs in counter. He shoots for a takedown, but Cortes-Acosta defends. Pavlovich lands a big uppercut, stunning Cortes-Acosta.

Our Score: 10-9 Pavlovich. Overall 30-27 Pavlovich.

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Official Result

Sergei Pavlovich defeats Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, and 29-28).