Shamil Gaziev revealed in an interview with Jaydon Cable that he currently weighs 140kg. He needs to cut 20kg to make the heavyweight limit for UFC Perth. The post asks readers whether they think Gaziev will successfully make weight or if the situation is concerning. Details about his weight-cutting timeline or methods were not provided. The weigh-in date approaches as he continues his camp.
Shamil Gaziev has disclosed that he is carrying significant excess weight ahead of his upcoming appearance at UFC Perth, revealing in an interview with Jaydon Cable that he currently sits at 140 kilograms — roughly 20 kilograms above the heavyweight limit of 120 kilograms.
Gaziev, 36, represents Bahrain out of KHK MMA and holds a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses competing in the heavyweight division, where he is ranked 11th. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence in the weight class. He lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and while his game is primarily built around his striking, he also averages 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes, showing enough grappling activity to be considered a well-rounded threat.
The disclosure raises questions about his preparation timeline, though no details about his weight-cutting methods or schedule were provided in the interview.
Why it matters
- A 20-kilogram cut to heavyweight is an unusually large drop, and the timeline to weigh-ins will test his camp's ability to manage the reduction safely.
- Gaziev sits at number 11 in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a strong performance at UFC Perth could push him further into contention in a division with limited depth at the top.
- His physical dimensions — 193 centimeters tall with a 198-centimeter reach — are assets that could be compromised if an aggressive weight cut drains his energy or recovery capacity heading into fight week.
