Valentina Shevchenko has publicly urged the UFC to sign Rizin featherweight champion Radjabali Shaidullaev. The 25-year-old fighter holds an undefeated record of 19-0 and currently competes in the 66kg (145 lb) division. Shevchenko's endorsement highlights Shaidullaev's potential to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. The call reflects growing interest in bringing top talent from international promotions into the UFC roster. The post's author expressed support for this potential signing.
Valentina Shevchenko has publicly called on the UFC to sign Rizin featherweight champion Radjabali Shaidullaev, adding her considerable voice to growing discussions about bringing top international talent into the promotion.
Shevchenko, 38, is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. The Kyrgyzstan-born champion holds a record of 26-4-1 and currently sits atop the women's flyweight division. Fighting out of Tiger Muay Thai in a southpaw stance, she stands five-foot-five with a 66-inch reach and averages 3.14 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, complementing her striking with 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Shaidullaev, just 25 years old, carries a perfect 19-0 professional record and holds the Rizin featherweight title at 66 kilograms. His undefeated run through one of the most competitive regional promotions in the world drew Shevchenko's endorsement, with the champion publicly urging the UFC to pursue the signing.
Why it matters
- An undefeated Rizin champion at 25 represents a high-upside acquisition for the UFC's featherweight or lightweight divisions.
- Shevchenko's public backing carries significant weight given her standing as UFC women's flyweight champion with a 26-4-1 record.
- Shaidullaev's youth and unblemished record suggest he could be a long-term contender if brought into the world's top MMA organization.
- The call reflects a broader pattern of UFC talent spotting being driven from within the roster itself, not just the front office.
