Brando Pericic Knocks Out Shamil Gaziev in Second Round at UFC Perth

Key facts

• Brando Pericic defeated Shamil Gaziev via KO (right hand) at 3:44 of Round 2.
• Pericic improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the UFC, with all three wins by first-round stoppage except this one.
• Gaziev fell to 14-2 overall and 3-2 in the UFC, losing his second straight fight after a unanimous decision loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
• Pericic had a reach advantage of 79.5 inches to Gaziev's 78.5 inches.
• The fight took place on the main card of UFC Fight Night 275 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
• Odds shifted from Gaziev as the opening favorite to Pericic at -142 and Gaziev at +116 on FanDuel.

A Knockout That Reshapes the Heavyweight Division

Brando Pericic announced himself as a genuine contender in the UFC heavyweight division on Saturday, knocking out No. 14-ranked Shamil Gaziev with a devastating right hand at 3:44 of the second round. The victory, which took place on the main card of UFC Fight Night 275 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, extended Pericic's perfect promotional record to 3-0 and sent a clear message to the rest of the weight class. Pericic, fighting in front of a partisan Australian crowd, survived an early scare in the first round when Gaziev landed a booming uppercut followed by a left hook that briefly had the local fighter backpedaling. But Pericic weathered the storm, and in the second round he found his range, dropping Gaziev with a precise right hand that prompted an immediate stoppage from the referee.

How the Fight Unfolded

The opening round was a tense affair, with Gaziev, a former Dagestani national volleyball team member, using his grappling to pin Pericic against the fence. After a couple of minutes of stalling, the referee separated them, giving Pericic the opportunity to unleash a flurry of punches that forced Gaziev to retreat. Gaziev again clinched, but another separation led to his best moment of the fight: a powerful uppercut and left hook that caught Pericic's chin. Neither fighter could secure a knockout before the bell. In the second round, both men continued to slug it out for three and a half minutes. Gaziev clinched once more to catch his breath, but the referee again broke them apart. As Gaziev took a deep breath, Pericic moved in and landed a right hand that sent the Russian crashing to the canvas. The referee immediately stepped in, preventing further damage.

The Rise of Brando Pericic

Pericic, now 6-1 overall, has finished all but one of his wins by KO/TKO. His two previous UFC appearances ended in first-round knockouts of Elisha Ellison and Louie Sutherland, earning him a performance bonus. Saturday's win, however, was a significant step up in competition, as Gaziev entered the bout ranked No. 14 in the heavyweight division. Pericic's reach advantage of 79.5 inches to Gaziev's 78.5 inches proved crucial, allowing him to manage distance and land his power shots. Despite being the underdog in the betting odds — which shifted from Gaziev as the opening favorite to Pericic at -142 on FanDuel — Pericic delivered a performance that validated the public's confidence. His ability to survive early adversity and finish a ranked opponent suggests he is ready for tougher tests.

Gaziev's Setback and the Road Ahead

Shamil Gaziev, a Bahraini fighter of Dagestani origin, saw his momentum halted for the second consecutive fight. After back-to-back wins over Don'Tale Mayes and Thomas Petersen in 2023, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in November. The loss to Pericic drops him to 3-2 in the UFC and likely out of the rankings. Gaziev, who stands 6-foot-4 with a 78.5-inch reach, had three straight fights cancelled against Serghei Spivac before facing Cortes-Acosta, a disruption that may have affected his rhythm. Gaziev's takedown defense, which had been a strong point at 83%, was not tested significantly, as Pericic kept the fight standing. The defeat raises questions about Gaziev's ability to compete at the highest level, particularly against strikers with knockout power.

Implications for the Heavyweight Division

Pericic's victory injects new energy into a heavyweight division that often features slow-paced bouts. His aggressive style and finishing ability make him an attractive addition to main cards. With a 2-0 record in the UFC before Saturday, Pericic had already generated buzz, but beating a ranked opponent elevates his status. The win could earn him a spot in the official rankings and a step up in competition for his next fight. For Gaziev, the loss is a significant blow. At 14-2, he still has a solid record, but consecutive defeats may force him to rebuild outside the rankings. His next fight will likely be against a lower-tier opponent as he looks to regain momentum.

A Star Is Born in Perth

The atmosphere at RAC Arena was electric as Pericic, a local favorite, delivered the kind of performance that can define a career. His ability to absorb Gaziev's best shots and respond with a fight-ending blow demonstrated both durability and power. The comparison to Mark "Chopper" Read, a nod to Pericic's aggressive style, seems increasingly apt. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Pericic's emergence provides a fresh narrative. Whether he can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but for one night in Perth, he was the story.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev at 3:44 of Round 2, improving his UFC record to 3-0.
• Pericic has finished all three of his UFC wins by knockout, two in the first round and one in the second.
• Gaziev has lost two straight fights after starting his UFC career 3-0.
• The fight was held on the main card of UFC Fight Night 275 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
• Pericic's reach advantage (79.5 inches) and distance management were key factors in the victory.
• Public betting money flipped the odds from Gaziev as the favorite to Pericic at -142.