Best known as a light heavyweight and former LFA champ, Ryan Spann made the move up to heavyweight at UFC Vegas 104, where he faced off against Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
In the early going, Spann opened with some low kicks, and about 90 seconds in got Cortes-Acosta’s attention, rocking him with a punch. Moments later, there was a brief time out with Cortes-Acosta complaining about his eye. On the restart, he attacked, going right after Spann. An uppercut and another right hand connected for Cortes-Acosta as the pair traded fire, and Ryan Spann was suddenly getting a lesson in heavyweight power.
Things got rather hectic as the round progressed, with Spann practically running to escape some of the big power shots coming his way. He’d end up going to his back in the final 30 seconds, but with Cortes-Acosta not known for his ground game he opted to let time expire rather than get on top.
Action in round two was halted early with Spann complaining of an eye poke. The replay showed a punch, but Spann didn’t take much time regardless and action resumed. Spann fired a right hand, but Cortes-Acosta was having success with his jab. Ref Mark Smith then gave another warning to Waldo for having his fingers pointing outward. The power shots would continue throughout the round, with Spann again finding himself under fire towards the horn. This time, a right hand dropped Spann, and Waldo Cortes-Acosta jumped in with hammerfists. The ref gave Spann a chance to get out of danger, but he was out, and the fight was done seconds later.
After the bout, Cortes-Acosta called out Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa.
Official Result: Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Ryan Spann by TKO (punches), Round 2, 4:48
