Shamil Gaziev claims he weighed 140 kg at the start of his training camp but has now cut down to 119.85 kg according to recent photos. This represents a weight cut of over 20 kg during camp preparation. Gaziev competes in the heavyweight division, which has a 120 kg limit. The post is tagged with UFC Perth, indicating this weight management is for an upcoming bout in Australia. The significant weight fluctuation raises questions about his weight discipline between fights.
Shamil Gaziev has revealed a dramatic weight transformation heading into UFC Perth, disclosing that he began his training camp at 140 kilograms before trimming down to 119.85 kilograms ahead of the event in Australia.
The Bahrain-based heavyweight, who trains out of KHK MMA, shared the update alongside recent photos that appear to document his progress. The heavyweight division carries a 120-kilogram limit, meaning Gaziev has shed more than 20 kilograms during camp preparation to come in just under the divisional ceiling.
Gaziev holds a professional record of 14-3 and is currently ranked 11th in the UFC heavyweight division at 36 years of age. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, the orthodox striker brings considerable physical tools to the cage. He averages 2.62 significant strikes landed per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and also poses a modest ground threat, averaging 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A camp starting weight of 140 kilograms — 20 kilograms above the divisional limit — raises legitimate questions about Gaziev's conditioning and weight management between fight camps.
- Arriving close to the 120-kilogram limit suggests he is aiming to compete without a dramatic same-day rehydration advantage, though the margin to the limit remains razor-thin.
- At ranked 11th, a strong performance in Perth could push Gaziev meaningfully up the heavyweight ladder, where divisional movement can accelerate quickly.
The disclosure is notable given that heavyweight is one of the few UFC divisions without a separate catchweight tier, meaning every fighter must come in at or below 120 kilograms on fight day regardless of their natural walking weight.
