May 9, 2026
Brando Peričić On UFC Perth War, Broken Hands & Becoming A Ranked Heavyweight
Brando “The Balkan Bear” Peričić joins the Australian MMA Podcast fresh off his UFC Perth win over Shamil Gaziev. After earning a second-round TKO, a Fight of the Night bonus and a spot in the UFC heavyweight rankings, Brando reflects on the chaos of the fight, his injuries, why he enjoyed being dragged into a war, and why he believes no one in the division is above him. He also talks about his athletic background, getting recognised alongside Carlos Ulberg, his goal of chasing the UFC heavyweight belt, and why he believes Antonio Caruso deserves a UFC opportunity.
Brando Peričić is officially a ranked UFC heavyweight, and he is not short on confidence.
Fresh off his huge UFC Perth win over Shamil Gaziev, “The Balkan Bear” jumps on the Australian MMA Podcast to break down the fight, the damage, the Fight of the Night bonus and what it means to now be inside the UFC heavyweight top 15.
Brando opens up on why he enjoyed being hit, how the fight turned into a war, what his corner told him after round one, and why he still believes no man can survive five minutes with him once the real fighting starts.
He also speaks about his broken hands, his rugby and athletic background, being recognised on the flight home with Carlos Ulberg, his plans to chase the UFC heavyweight belt, and why he thinks Antonio Caruso has earned a UFC shot.
