Shamil Gaziev

ANALYSIS
Gaziev was previously scheduled to face off against Spivac back in May at UFC Qatar, but the bout was scrapped due to an undisclosed injury to Gaziev. The matchup is now back on for later in the year, as Gaziev will look to take home his third straight victory after securing wins against Thomas Petersen at UFC Fight Night 250 in February and against Don'Tale Mayes at UFC on ABC 7 in August of 2024.

ANALYSIS
It has become apparent that something is affecting Gaziev, who was scheduled to fight Spivac at UFC Qatar on May 17. Instead of Gaziev, Spivac will fight Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 316 on June 7.

ANALYSIS
Gaziev is off to a great start in his UFC career with a 3-1 record and a two-fight winning streak, most recently easily disposing of Thomas Petersen in the first round with a right hook. He'll now take on a steeper challenge in Spivac, a more experienced UFC fighter with a 8-5 record who will be hungry for victory coming off a loss.

ANALYSIS
Gaziev has displayed major cardio issues in his brief UFC run. One way to combat that is to earn a first-round stoppage win, which he was able to do here. Shamil allowed an early takedown but managed to immediately work his way back to his feet. Gaziev then cracked Petersen with a straight right hand that ended the fight on the spot. Set to turn 35 years of age in a handful of days and yet to fight a notable opponent in his pro career, Gaziev's ceiling is awfully limited despite the fact he's sporting a 3-1 mark in his first four bouts with the company.

ANALYSIS
Gaziev claimed a bounce-back win over Don'Tale Mayes in August to improve to 2-1 within the UFC. Petersen also took home a victory in his latest fight, but Gaziev will have a 4.5-inch reach advantage working in his favor in February.