Brando Pericic Seeks Rankings Breakthrough Against Shamil Gaziev at UFC Perth

Key facts

• Brando Pericic (6-1) has won both his UFC fights by first-round KO/TKO, including a performance bonus against Louie Sutherland.
• Shamil Gaziev (14-2, 3-2 UFC) is ranked No. 14 in the heavyweight division and lost his last bout to Waldo Cortes-Acosta via unanimous decision.
• The fight is part of UFC Fight Night 275 main card at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, scheduled for approximately 7:40 a.m. ET.
• Pericic stands 6-foot-5 with a 79.5-inch reach; Gaziev is 6-foot-4 with a 78.5-inch reach.
• Betting lines have flipped from Gaziev as favorite to Pericic -142 and Gaziev +116 on FanDuel.
• Gaziev has a 47% striking accuracy and 83% takedown defense rate.
• The bout was booked on shorter than usual notice, giving Pericic home-court advantage.

A Heavyweight Clash with Rankings on the Line

Brando Pericic, the undefeated Australian heavyweight, steps into the most significant fight of his professional career on Saturday at RAC Arena in Perth. He faces Shamil Gaziev, the No. 14-ranked contender from Bahrain, in a bout that could vault the 6-foot-5 prospect into the division's official rankings. The fight is part of the UFC Fight Night 275 main card, headlined by Jack Della Maddalena versus Carlos Prates. Pericic, 6-1 with all but one win by knockout, has made a blistering start to his UFC tenure. He stopped both Elisha Ellison and Louie Sutherland in the first round, earning a performance bonus for the latter. Now, with a partisan Australian crowd expected to be at a fever pitch, he aims to extend his streak and announce himself as a legitimate contender.

Gaziev Looks to Rebound After Setback

Shamil Gaziev, 14-2 overall and 3-2 inside the UFC, enters the octagon seeking to halt a slide. After back-to-back wins over Don'Tale Mayes and Thomas Petersen, his momentum was derailed when a scheduled fight with Serghei Spivac fell through due to multiple cancellations. In November, he faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta and lost a unanimous decision, the second defeat of his UFC run. Gaziev, a former member of the Dagestani national volleyball team, is a deceptively powerful striker with a 47% striking accuracy. He also boasts an 83% takedown defense rate, suggesting he will look to dictate where the fight takes place. The Bahraini fighter is expected to march forward with his jab, setting up a straight right hand to catch Pericic on the entries.

Pericic's Power and Reach Advantage

Brando Pericic holds a slight reach advantage over Gaziev, with a 79.5-inch wingspan to Gaziev's 78.5 inches. He is known for excellent distance management and will likely look to exploit that edge, catching Gaziev at the end of his punches. Low calf kicks are expected to be a common weapon as Pericic seeks to chop down Gaziev's forward movement. Pericic has finished all but one of his wins by KO/TKO, and his ground-and-pound has been particularly effective in his two UFC outings. He remains heavy on top and will look to hurt Gaziev early, testing his takedown defense. If he can stack or mount Gaziev, he will be in prime position to end the fight early.

Betting Markets Flip in Pericic's Favor

Despite oddsmakers initially installing Gaziev as the favorite, public money has swung the betting line significantly. Pericic now enters as a -142 favorite on FanDuel, with Gaziev listed at +116. The shift reflects confidence in the Australian's power and the advantage of fighting on home soil. The fight was booked on shorter than usual notice, which may affect Gaziev's experience could prove crucial if he manages to ground Pericic early, providing a deeper look into the Australian prospect's grappling. However, Pericic's killer instincts and punching power are seen as decisive factors.

What Comes Next for the Winner

A victory for Pericic would likely earn him a spot in the heavyweight rankings, a remarkable achievement in just his third UFC appearance. For Gaziev, a loss would drop him to 3-3 in the promotion and jeopardize his ranking, while a win would re-establish him as a contender in a division that is always hungry for new faces. The heavyweight division is known for its volatility, and both fighters understand that a single performance can change their trajectory. With the crowd behind him, Pericic has every motivation to deliver another first-round knockout, while Gaziev will lean on his experience and takedown defense to weather the storm.

A Defining Moment in Perth

The Gaziev-Pericic matchup represents a classic crossroads fight: a ranked veteran trying to fend off a hungry prospect on his home turf. The outcome will not only affect the rankings but also signal the arrival of a potential new force in the heavyweight division. For Pericic, the opportunity is clear; for Gaziev, the stakes are equally high. As the two heavyweights prepare to walk to the cage at approximately 7:40 a.m. ET, the MMA world will be watching to see whether experience or raw power prevails. The answer will come in Perth, where the octagon awaits.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic, 6-1, has won both his UFC fights by first-round KO and seeks to break into the heavyweight rankings against No. 14 Shamil Gaziev.
• Shamil Gaziev, 14-2, lost his last bout to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and needs a win to retain his ranking.
• The fight takes place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, as part of UFC Fight Night 275 on August 10, 2025.
• Pericic holds a slight reach advantage and is favored by bettors, with odds flipping to -142 on FanDuel.
• Gaziev boasts a 47% striking accuracy and 83% takedown defense, but Pericic's power and home crowd support are key factors.
• The winner will likely enter the heavyweight rankings, while the loser faces a setback in their career trajectory.