From heavy to ready: Shamil Gaziev loses 40+ pounds for UFC

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From heavy to ready: Shamil Gaziev loses 40+ pounds for UFC

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 2:32 PM ET

Gaziev admits to being well over 300lb when he’s not in training camp.

Despite being 6’4″, the Dagestani heavyweight is known for his distinct personality and fighting style. Since joining the UFC in 2023, he’s put together a 3-2 record.

He is set to make his return to action at UFC Perth on May 2, following his knockout loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in November. He’ll be facing Brando Peričić on the main card of that event.

Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images

Shamil Gaziev opens up about weight cut ahead of UFC Perth

Shamil Gaziev has never missed weight in his three-year UFC stint, including his time on Dana White’s Contender Series. He typically comes in at the higher end of the scale, weighing anywhere between 259.5lb and 262lb.

In a recent video with content creator Jaiden Cable, Gaziev shared that getting down to fighting weight isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The UFC’s heavyweight limit is set at 266lb, but he often walks around well above that number during training camps.

Cable asked how much he weighs outside of fight camp, and Gaziev responded with a laugh before saying “140kg.” That converts to nearly 308lb, which caught Cable off guard.

The two joked about the figure, with Gaziev laughing off the number. With UFC Perth just around the corner, he’ll need to be back under 266lb soon enough – especially with the early start time set for fans watching from Australia.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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