Shamil Gaziev revealed in an interview with Jaydon Cable that he currently weighs 140 kg. He needs to cut 20 kg before the weigh-ins for UFC Perth. The heavyweight fighter faces a significant weight cut ahead of his upcoming bout. This presents a challenging situation as he has limited time to safely reduce his weight to meet the required limit for competition.
Shamil Gaziev has confirmed he is carrying significant excess weight ahead of UFC Perth, disclosing in an interview with Jaydon Cable that he currently sits at 140 kilograms — a full 20 kilograms above the heavyweight division's 120-kilogram limit.
Gaziev, 36, competes out of KHK MMA and represents Bahrain in the UFC's heavyweight division, where he is currently ranked eleventh. The six-foot-four, 193-centimeter fighter carries a 78-inch reach and holds a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses. He lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and averages 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes, painting him as a well-rounded heavyweight presence.
The disclosure raises immediate questions about Gaziev's preparation timeline. A 20-kilogram reduction is a substantial ask for any competitor, particularly in the heavyweight class, where fighters are not traditionally required to make the kind of dramatic cuts common in lighter divisions. Managing that drop safely and within the available window before the UFC Perth weigh-ins represents a considerable physical challenge.
Why it matters
- A 20 kg cut to the 120 kg heavyweight limit is unusually large and carries real health and performance risks.
- Gaziev is ranked eleventh at heavyweight, meaning a strong showing — or a failure to make weight — would directly affect the division's rankings picture.
- His orthodox striking style and physical frame at six-foot-four with a 198-centimeter reach are assets that could be dulled if weight management compromises his conditioning heading into the bout.
