Shamil Gaziev has confirmed he weighed 140 kilograms before starting his training camp, addressing concerns about his weight management. The heavyweight fighter clarified the context of his weight discussions, explaining he had been dieting for the last six weeks of camp. According to a social media post, Gaziev currently weighs 119 kilograms and expects no issues making the heavyweight limit at the weigh-ins. The Russian fighter emphasized that heavyweight fighters also cut significant weight, contrary to some assumptions. His previous comments about weighing 140kg were specifically about his off-season weight outside of fight preparation, not during an active camp.
Shamil Gaziev has moved to clarify the context behind his widely discussed weight figures, confirming via social media that the 140-kilogram number that raised eyebrows was his off-season body weight, recorded before any fight preparation had begun.
The 36-year-old heavyweight, who competes out of KHK MMA and represents Bahrain, explained that he has spent the last six weeks of his training camp dieting and currently sits at 119 kilograms. He stated he expects no complications making the heavyweight limit when he steps on the scale. Gaziev also pushed back against the notion that heavyweights do not cut weight, emphasizing that significant reductions are common in the division.
Gaziev enters the camp ranked eleventh in the UFC heavyweight division with a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence among the heavyweights. His UFC output reflects a measured but dangerous style, averaging 2.62 significant strikes landed per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, while also showing a willingness to threaten on the ground with 0.93 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A clean weight cut to the 265-pound heavyweight limit removes a potential pre-fight distraction and keeps Gaziev eligible to compete without issue.
- At ranked eleventh, any upcoming performance carries direct implications for his movement toward the division's top ten.
- His combination of size, striking volume, and takedown activity makes weight and physicality central elements of his competitive identity, making the clarification relevant to how opponents and fans assess his preparation.
