Shamil Gaziev and Brando Pericic completed their pre-fight staredown ahead of their heavyweight bout at UFC Perth. The event takes place on May 2, 2026. Both fighters made weight successfully, with Gaziev coming in at 119.74 kg and Pericic at 120.2 kg. The post generated fan engagement asking followers to vote for their prediction, with options supporting either Gaziev or a Pericic knockout.
Shamil Gaziev and Brando Pericic went face to face at the pre-fight staredown on May 1, 2026, one day before their heavyweight matchup at UFC Perth. Both men hit the scales without issue, with Gaziev weighing in at 119.74 kg and Pericic coming in at 120.2 kg.
Gaziev, who represents Bahrain out of KHK MMA, enters the bout ranked eleventh in the heavyweight division with a professional record of 14-3-0. The 36-year-old stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach and brings a measured striking game to the cage, landing 2.62 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy. He also shows a willingness to mix levels, averaging 0.93 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Pericic, known as "The Balkan Bear," is the younger man at 31 and carries an impressive 7-1-0 record into the fight. The six-foot-five heavyweight boasts a 79-inch reach and posts a striking accuracy of 64 percent, with a remarkable 12.91 significant strikes landed per minute — a figure that underlines his aggressive, output-heavy approach. He has yet to record a takedown attempt in his UFC statistical profile, suggesting a pure stand-and-bang style.
Why it matters
- Gaziev's ranking means a strong performance could push him further into heavyweight title contention
- Pericic's unorthodox high-volume striking presents a distinct stylistic puzzle for the more experienced Gaziev
- The size matchup is nearly even, with Pericic holding a slight edge in both height and reach
- A finish for either man would carry significant weight in the crowded heavyweight division
