Valentina Shevchenko has publicly urged the UFC to sign Rizin champion Rajabali Shaidullaev. The 25-year-old fighter competes at 66 kilograms and holds an undefeated 19-0 record. Shevchenko's endorsement carries weight as a former UFC champion advocating for the young prospect. The call to sign Shaidullaev suggests she sees significant potential in the Rizin titleholder. No official response from the UFC has been reported regarding this request.
Valentina Shevchenko has publicly called on the UFC to sign Rizin champion Rajabali Shaidullaev, throwing her considerable influence behind the 25-year-old unbeaten prospect.
Shaidullaev, who competes at 66 kilograms, holds a flawless 19-0 professional record and currently holds gold in Rizin Fighting Federation. No official response from the UFC has been reported following Shevchenko's endorsement.
Shevchenko herself needs little introduction inside the sport. The 38-year-old Kyrgyzstan native is the reigning UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, carrying a professional record of 26-4-1 built over a decorated career. Fighting out of Tiger Muay Thai as a southpaw, she stands five-foot-five with a 66-inch reach and remains one of the most technically accomplished fighters on the roster. She lands 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, while also posing a consistent grappling threat at 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Shevchenko's public backing gives Shaidullaev rare visibility at the highest level of the sport and could accelerate UFC interest in the Rizin titleholder.
- An undefeated 19-0 record combined with a championship pedigree in a major promotion makes Shaidullaev a credible candidate for a UFC contract on merit alone.
- The endorsement from an active UFC champion carries a different weight than typical social media speculation, lending the call genuine credibility within the industry.
The UFC has not commented publicly on whether any talks with Shaidullaev or his team are underway.
