Shamil Gaziev revealed he weighed 140 kilograms before beginning his training camp for UFC Perth. The heavyweight fighter has since cut down to 119 kg according to social media posts, suggesting he should have no issues making the 120 kg limit at weigh-ins. Gaziev noted he has been on a strict diet for the past six weeks to shed the weight. In a recent interview, he had discussed his weight outside of fight preparation, clarifying the context of his off-season bulk.
Shamil Gaziev has shed light on a dramatic weight swing ahead of UFC Perth, revealing that he tipped the scales at 140 kilograms before beginning his training camp — a full 20 kilograms above the heavyweight division limit.
The 36-year-old from Bahrain, who trains out of KHK MMA, disclosed the figure in a recent interview, framing it as an intentional off-season bulk rather than a conditioning concern. According to his social media posts, Gaziev has since brought his weight down to 119 kilograms across six weeks of strict dieting, leaving him just one kilogram under the 120 kg heavyweight limit ahead of official weigh-ins.
Gaziev enters the event ranked eleventh in the UFC heavyweight division, carrying a professional record of 14-3-0. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence in a weight class already defined by size. His UFC output shows he lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, and he adds a modest grappling threat with 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Making heavyweight without a last-minute scramble will be a positive sign for his camp's preparation
- At 36, disciplined weight management becomes increasingly relevant to performance and recovery
- Gaziev's combination of striking volume and takedown ability keeps opponents guessing, and arriving at his best weight helps both facets of his game
- A smooth cut keeps him in contention to climb from his current ranking of eleventh in a competitive division
