UFC flyweight Valentina Shevchenko is calling on the UFC to sign Rizin featherweight champion Rajabali Shaidullaev. The 25-year-old fighter holds an undefeated professional record of 19-0 and currently competes at 66 kg (approximately 145 lbs) in Rizin. Shevchenko's endorsement carries significant weight given her status as a former UFC champion and respected figure in the sport. The post indicates support from the MMA community for bringing Shaidullaev to the UFC. Details about any active negotiations or UFC interest are not mentioned in the post.
Valentina Shevchenko is making a public push for the UFC to add undefeated Rizin featherweight champion Rajabali Shaidullaev to its roster, with the call drawing notable attention from the broader MMA community.
Shevchenko, 38, currently holds the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship and carries one of the most decorated resumes in the sport. The Kyrgyzstan-born southpaw is 26-4-1 as a professional and trains out of Tiger Muay Thai. Known for her technical precision, she lands 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that reflects the well-rounded game that made her a dominant champion. Her endorsement of Shaidullaev is not a casual opinion; her standing in the sport gives the recommendation considerable credibility.
Shaidullaev, 25, is unbeaten across 19 professional bouts and currently holds the Rizin featherweight title, competing at 66 kilograms — roughly 145 pounds. His age, unblemished record, and championship pedigree in one of the world's most prominent MMA organizations outside the UFC have drawn admiration, and Shevchenko's public backing has amplified that conversation.
Why it matters
- Shaidullaev's 19-0 record and Rizin title make him one of the more compelling unsigned prospects in the 145-pound division
- Shevchenko's public endorsement puts a spotlight on the UFC's potential interest in expanding its featherweight talent pool
- No details about active negotiations or any formal UFC interest have been confirmed, leaving the situation at the level of community discussion for now
