Shamil Gaziev

Shamil Gaziev is a Dagestani-born heavyweight representing Bahrain who came into the UFC undefeated with a reputation for smashing people early. Twelve of his fourteen wins are finishes, most inside a round, built on forward pressure and heavy hands. The last year has been brutal, though: back-to-back first-and-second-round knockout losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Brando Pericic have put his durability in serious question. At 36, he needs a win in Sacramento to keep his roster spot conversation alive.