Valentina Shevchenko has publicly urged the UFC to sign Rajabali Shaidullaev, the current Rizin champion. Shaidullaev competes at 145 pounds, is 25 years old, and holds an undefeated 19-0 record. The post expresses support for Shevchenko's call to bring the prospect to the UFC. No details are given on whether the UFC has shown interest or if negotiations are underway. The post suggests Shaidullaev's credentials make him an attractive signing.
Valentina Shevchenko has gone public with a call for the UFC to sign Rajabali Shaidullaev, the reigning Rizin champion who competes at 145 pounds, using her platform to advocate for the undefeated prospect's move to the sport's premier organization.
Shevchenko, 38, is one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history. The Kyrgyzstan-born southpaw currently holds the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship and carries a professional record of 26-4-1. Competing out of Tiger Muay Thai, she lands 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and adds 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, making her one of the most complete fighters in the sport regardless of gender.
Shaidullaev, 25, holds a perfect 19-0 record and currently reigns as Rizin champion at featherweight. No verified details are available on whether the UFC has expressed interest or whether any negotiations have begun.
Why it matters
- A public endorsement from an active UFC champion carries significant weight and could accelerate the UFC's attention toward a prospect.
- Shaidullaev's undefeated record and Rizin title represent meaningful credentials for a fighter being pitched to the world's top promotion.
- At 25 with 19 professional bouts already behind him, Shaidullaev arrives with considerable experience for his age, which could make a potential UFC debut more viable in the near term.
