The UFC’s newest heavyweight contender already has his next assignment on the calendar.
Former PFL champion Ante Delija trains with Tom Aspinall and was highly touted by the UFC’s heavyweight king in the lead-up to his September debut.
A couple of years after Aspinall tore through Marcin Tybura in just 73 seconds, Delija got the job done in similar fashion early into his rematch with the veteran Polish contender.
Announcing his arrival on the sport’s biggest stage, Delija finished Tybura at UFC Paris in just over two minutes. The brutal knockout was enough to earn the Croatian standout a chance to rise close to the top five next time out.
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Ante Delija returns at UFC Vegas 110 against Waldo Cortes-Acosta
The result in France quickly put the newcomer into the promotion’s heavyweight top 10, though a bizarre UFC rankings change that shifted Delija down below the man he just defeated has since puzzled fans.
Nevertheless, ‘Walking Trouble’ will have the chance to climb further up the ladder before 2025 is out, with the 35-year-old scheduled to return at the UFC Fight Night at the Apex on November 1.
To stay undefeated in the UFC, Delija is now tasked with getting the better of No. 6-ranked contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta. ‘Salsa Boy’ rose through the ranks during a five-fight win streak that included a knockout against Ryan Spann and decision victory over Serghei Spivac.
But after Pavlovich outpointed Cortes-Acosta at UFC Shanghai in August, the Dominican heavyweight will be looking to avoid the first losing skid of his career when he throws down with Delija in Las Vegas.
Their fight was announced by the UFC’s official social media channels following an initial report from @ClubDeLeMas on X. While originally expected to serve as the main event, Eurosport Nederland’s Marcel Dorff has since confirmed that Steve Garcia vs David Onama will headline.
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Tom Aspinall had an emotional reaction to Ante Delija’s UFC Paris win
The November 1 bout will mark a big change in environment for Delija, who will compete in the quiet, low-capacity Apex after making his debut in front of a bumper crowd in the French capital.
On a night that featured many thrilling fights and finishes, ‘Walking Trouble’ received one of the biggest ovations for his performance on the preliminary card. And among the most notable faces reacting to the result in the crowd was the winner’s main training partner.
Aspinall was visibly emotional after Delija’s triumph, as cameras showed the overjoyed Englishman in tears as the Croatian himself broke down post-fight inside the Octagon.
The pair will now train alongside one another for their upcoming bouts, with the champ set to defend his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 one week before Delija’s next fight.