brando pericic enters UFC Perth with a 2-0 record in the promotion and a chance to force his way into the heavyweight rankings in just his third appearance. Shamil Gaziev, No. 14 at heavyweight, is trying to keep that spot against a newcomer.
Pericic’s Early UFC Run
Pericic has not needed much time to build momentum. He opened his UFC career with first-round knockouts of Elisha Ellison and Louie Sutherland, then followed the Sutherland win with a first-round TKO over Sutherland. That run has left him 6-1 as a professional and perfect through two UFC fights.
He has finished all but one of his wins by KO or TKO, and he also has a UFC performance bonus on his ledger. At 6-foot-5 with a 79.5-inch reach, he brings a one-inch height and reach edge over Gaziev, a small physical margin that could matter in a heavyweight bout built on range and timing.
Gaziev’s Ranking Pressure
Gaziev comes in with a 14-2 professional mark and a 3-2 record in the UFC since 2023. He beat Don’Tale Mayes by unanimous decision and Thomas Petersen by first-round knockout before the stretch of cancellations around his booking, then dropped his last fight to Waldo Cortes-Acosta by first-round KO.
The Russian heavyweight stands 6-foot-4 with a 78.5-inch reach, and the numbers behind his style are clear: 47% striking success and 83% takedown defense. Pericic should try to hurt him early and make him work defensively before the fight settles into Gaziev’s range.
UFC Perth Main Card Stakes
The matchup sits on the UFC Perth main card, giving Pericic a direct route toward the rankings and giving Gaziev a chance to defend his place against a surging newcomer. For Pericic, the assignment is simple on paper and difficult in practice: keep the fight fast, land first, and make the top 15 look within reach.
