Ranked heavyweight Shamil Gaziev of Bahrain is a heavy favorite to defeat American Thomas Petersen when the two clash in a heavyweight bout in the feature prelim of UFC Saudi Arabia this weekend. Both fighters graduated from the Contender Series in 2023 and come into this matchup after a victory last time out. While Petersen overcame Mohammed Usman last July, Gaziev beat Don’Tale Mayes in August.
Bet on Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen with 1xBet
MMA: UFC Heavyweight
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh
Date: 01.02.2025 19:00
Shamil Gaziev
Born in Dagestan but fighting out of Bahrain, Shamil Gaziev has a 2-1 record in the UFC, dropping a fight to Jairzinho Rozenstruik last March after retiring from exhaustion in the fourth round. Gaziev debuted in the UFC in late 2023 with an impressive TKO over Martin Buday that earned him a Performance of the Night. The 34-year-old had choked out Greg Velasco a few months earlier at DWCS to earn a UFC contract. The Dagestani rebounded from the loss to Rozenstruik to defeat Don’Tale Mayes and climb to number twelve in the heavyweight rankings. Shamil Gaziev will be expecting to get his first back-to-back win in the UFC when he sets into the octagon on February 1.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 6’4”
- Reach: 78.5”
- Weight: 265lbs (120kg)
- Record: 13-1
Thomas Petersen
The former LFA heavyweight champ punched his UFC ticket with a keylock submission of Chandler Cole at Contender Series 2023. Thomas Petersen, however, lost his promotional debut to Jamal Progues, who snapped his 3-win streak. Last July, Petersen secured a unanimous decision over former TUF winner Mohammed Usman. Leaning on excellent striking to get the win. The 29-year-old American nicknamed “The Train” will have his work cut out against a solid opponent in Gaziev.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 29
- Height: 6’1”
- Reach: 74”
- Weight: 265lbs (120kg)
- Record: 9-2-0
Betting Odds
Thomas Petersen is a 3.64 underdog on 1xBet, with a decision for Shamil Gaziev at 3.4 odds. Over 2.5 is priced at 2.15 on Bet365, which has the under at 1.64 odds. A decision for Petersen is at 6.40 odds on Betway, with the favorite to win by KO at 2.19. Read more here.
Bet on Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen with 1xBet
