Shamil Gaziev confirmed he weighed 140 kilograms before starting his training camp for his upcoming fight. He stated he has been on a strict diet for the last six weeks to cut weight. According to a social media post, Gaziev now weighs 119 kilograms and should have no issues making weight at the official weigh-in. He had previously discussed his weight outside of fight camp in a recent interview, clarifying the context of his weight fluctuations.
Shamil Gaziev has offered a candid look at his physical preparation ahead of his next heavyweight bout, revealing via social media that he tipped the scales at 140 kilograms before beginning his training camp and has since slimmed down to 119 kilograms over the past six weeks through a strict diet.
The 36-year-old Bahraini heavyweight, who trains out of KHK MMA, expressed confidence that the cut to the heavyweight limit should present no problems when the official weigh-in arrives. Gaziev had previously addressed his out-of-camp weight in a recent interview, providing context for the significant fluctuation between fight preparations.
Ranked eleventh in the UFC heavyweight division, Gaziev carries a professional record of 14-3-0 and cuts an imposing physical figure at six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach. The orthodox striker lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, and while he is primarily known for his striking, he also averages 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes, showing a degree of grappling utility to complement his stand-up game.
Why it matters
- A 21-kilogram drop in six weeks is a significant physical undertaking, and Gaziev's public update suggests he is confident the process is on schedule.
- At heavyweight, where there is no upper weight limit in the traditional sense, large walk-around weights are common, but the transparency around his fluctuations adds unusual detail to his camp narrative.
- Ranked eleventh at heavyweight, Gaziev will be looking to make a statement in his upcoming fight as he works toward the upper tier of the division.
