When a top-ranked UFC heavyweight speaks, the MMA world listens—especially when that fighter is breaking down the striking prowess of two of the sport's biggest stars. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, the Dominican powerhouse currently sitting at No. 4 in the UFC heavyweight rankings, has sparked a fresh debate by claiming that Ciryl Gane is a better striker than the legendary Alex Pereira.
Cortes-Acosta, who boasts an impressive 10-2 record inside the Octagon, shared his surprising take during a recent interview with Home of Fight's Jake Noecker. "Ciryl Gane is the better striker, because he’s more versatile, he moves better, he’s more dynamic," said 'Salsa Boy.' "His striking is for Martial Arts. Striking in Kickboxing is different. Ciryl Gane’s striking is more well-rounded."
It's a bold claim, especially given Pereira's reputation as one of the most devastating strikers in UFC history. 'Poatan' has racked up eight knockouts in just 12 fights with the promotion, while Gane has only four KOs in 13 UFC appearances. But Cortes-Acosta argues that Gane's adaptability and movement make him a more complete mixed martial artist—a skillset that translates better to the cage than pure kickboxing power.
The timing of this debate couldn't be more perfect. With Pereira and Gane potentially on a collision course for a future title unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall, the heavyweight division is buzzing with anticipation. And Cortes-Acosta isn't just talking from the sidelines—he's about to step into the fire himself.
Next Saturday at UFC 328, Cortes-Acosta faces his biggest test yet: a showdown with No. 2-ranked Alexander Volkov. Riding a three-fight winning streak, the Dominican contender knows that a victory over the Russian veteran could catapult him into serious title contention. "A win over Volkov puts me right in the conversation," he said, though he acknowledges that any path to gold likely runs through the eventual Pereira-Gane winner.
For now, Cortes-Acosta is focused on his own Octagon journey. But his insight into Gane's striking game adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked heavyweight division. Whether you agree with his take or not, one thing is certain: the heavyweight landscape is more exciting than ever.