Shamil Hasbulatovich Gaziev Bio
Shamil Hasbulatovich Gaziev is a Russian and Bahraini professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since beginning his professional career in 2020, Gaziev has rapidly risen through the ranks, earning a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series and establishing himself as a top contender in the heavyweight category.
Early Life and Background
Shamil Gaziev was born on February 10, 1990, in Khunzakh, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. Details about his family background and early education are not publicly documented. Gaziev’s early exposure to martial arts and combat sports likely took place in Dagestan, a region known for producing skilled fighters, though specific formative experiences are not verified.
Path to MMA
Gaziev began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2020, competing primarily on the Russian and Belarusian regional circuits. He quickly made a name for himself by winning his first seven fights, all by stoppage within two rounds, demonstrating his finishing ability and potential. His undefeated streak and dominant performances opened opportunities to compete internationally and eventually led to his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Shamil Gaziev Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
During his early career, Gaziev compiled an impressive 7–0 record exclusively in regional promotions across Russia and Belarus. His fights were characterized by decisive finishes, showcasing his striking and submission skills. A notable early victory came against Kirill Kornilov at Ares FC 7 in Paris, France, where Gaziev won by split decision, marking his ability to compete successfully on an international stage.
Dana White’s Contender Series Breakthrough (2023)
Gaziev earned a pivotal opportunity on Week 7 of Season 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series on September 19, 2023. Facing fellow undefeated prospect Greg Velasco, Gaziev secured a first-round submission victory. This performance earned him a UFC contract, marking a significant milestone in his career and opening the door to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2023–Present)
Shamil Gaziev made his UFC debut at UFC 296 on December 16, 2023, against Martin Buday. He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round, earning the Performance of the Night award for his impressive showing. Gaziev’s first UFC main event came against Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Fight Night 238 on March 2, 2024, where he suffered the first professional loss of his career after retiring from his corner at the end of the fourth round.
Gaziev rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC on ABC 7 on August 3, 2024. He continued his momentum by defeating Thomas Petersen via first-round technical knockout at UFC Fight Night 250 on February 1, 2025. A scheduled bout against Serghei Spivac was postponed due to Gaziev sustaining a broken finger during training. The rescheduled fight took place on November 22, 2025, against Waldo Cortes-Acosta, where Gaziev lost by knockout in the first round.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gaziev is known for his finishing ability, with a balanced mix of knockouts and submissions. His height and reach advantage at 191 cm and 199 cm respectively provide him with effective striking range. Gaziev demonstrates strong technical skills in both striking and grappling, allowing him to adapt his strategy based on opponents. Training with the KHK MMA Team in Bahrain has contributed to his development and tactical approach inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Gaziev’s career include earning a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round submission and securing the Performance of the Night bonus in his UFC debut. His ascent to #11 in the UFC Heavyweight rankings as of October 28, 2025, marks his status as a rising contender in the division.
Shamil Gaziev Career Wins
Shamil Gaziev has achieved a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses, with victories spread across regional circuits, Dana White’s Contender Series, and the UFC. His wins include 2 by knockout, 3 by submission, and 2 by decision, highlighting his versatility as a fighter.
UFC Highlights
Gaziev’s UFC tenure began with a notable technical knockout win over Martin Buday, earning him a Performance of the Night award. He has demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from his first loss and securing subsequent victories, including a first-round technical knockout against Thomas Petersen. His UFC fights have showcased his ability to compete against high-level opponents and maintain a presence in the heavyweight rankings.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Gaziev compiled an undefeated record on the Russian and Belarusian regional circuits, finishing all seven fights by stoppage within two rounds. He also competed successfully in Brave Combat Federation, securing knockout and technical knockout victories against Pavel Dailidko and UFC veteran Darko Stošić.
Shamil Gaziev Family
Personal Life
Shamil Gaziev resides in Manama, Bahrain, where he trains with the KHK MMA Team. He represents Bahrain in his professional career, becoming the first fighter to represent the nation in the UFC. Details about his family, marital status, or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Gaziev continued to compete actively in the UFC Heavyweight division. He secured a first-round technical knockout win over Thomas Petersen early in the year, demonstrating his finishing capability. A scheduled bout against Serghei Spivac was postponed due to injury but later rescheduled against Waldo Cortes-Acosta, resulting in a first-round knockout loss. Gaziev’s performance throughout the year reflects his position as a competitive heavyweight contender, with ongoing opportunities to climb the rankings and refine his skills within the KHK MMA Team environment.