Shamil Gaziev reportedly weighed 140 kilograms at the start of his training camp and has since cut his weight to 119.85 kilograms according to a recent photo. The heavyweight competes in a division with a 120-kilogram limit, meaning Gaziev still needs to lose a small amount to make the official weight. The significant weight cut from his walk-around weight to competition weight represents a reduction of over 20 kilograms. Details about the timeline of the weight cut or Gaziev's specific training regimen are limited in the report.
Shamil Gaziev is making a dramatic weight cut ahead of UFC Perth, having shed more than 20 kilograms since the start of his training camp to get within striking distance of the heavyweight limit.
According to a recent photo circulating online, the Bahrain-based heavyweight came into camp at 140 kilograms and has since trimmed down to 119.85 kilograms. The UFC's heavyweight division carries a 120-kilogram limit, leaving Gaziev with a small but necessary drop still to complete before he can step on the scales.
Gaziev, 36, fights out of KHK MMA and holds a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses. Ranked 11th in the heavyweight division, the six-foot-four Orthodox striker carries a 78-inch reach and lands 2.62 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy. He also contributes on the grappling side, averaging 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A 20-plus kilogram camp cut is unusually large for heavyweight, where fighters are not typically known for aggressive weight management.
- Gaziev sits just inside the top 15 at number 11, meaning a strong performance in Perth could push him meaningfully up the divisional ladder.
- His combination of striking output and takedown activity makes weight and physical condition particularly important to his game plan heading into fight week.
