Shamil Gaziev revealed in an interview with Jaidon Cable that he currently weighs 140 kilograms. The heavyweight fighter needs to cut 20 kilograms before the weigh-ins for UFC Perth. Gaziev appears confident about making the weight cut in time for the event. The post prompted mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing confidence in his ability to make weight while others found the situation concerning. This represents a significant weight cut for the upcoming bout.
Shamil Gaziev has revealed he is carrying significant weight ahead of his UFC Perth appearance, disclosing in an interview with Jaidon Cable that he currently sits at 140 kilograms and will need to shed 20 kilograms before the event's weigh-ins.
Gaziev, 36, competes in the heavyweight division, where the upper limit sits at 120 kilograms (265 pounds). The Bahrain-based fighter, who trains out of KHK MMA, holds a professional record of 14-3-0 and is ranked 11th in the UFC heavyweight standings. Standing six-foot-four at 193 centimeters with a 78-inch reach, Gaziev is a physically imposing presence in the division. He lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and adds a modest grappling threat with 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Gaziev stated he is confident about completing the cut in time, though the disclosure drew a divided response from fans online. Some expressed belief in his ability to make weight, while others viewed a 20-kilogram reduction as a cause for concern.
Why it matters
- A 20-kilogram cut to heavyweight is an unusually large reduction and raises legitimate questions about Gaziev's conditioning heading into fight week.
- At ranked 11th in the division, Gaziev's ability to make weight on time has direct implications for whether his bout proceeds as scheduled at UFC Perth.
- His striking-based style demands physical output, meaning arriving drained or depleted could affect his in-cage performance regardless of whether he reaches the scale number.
