UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has publicly urged the promotion to sign Rizin bantamweight champion Rajabali Shaidullaev. The 25-year-old fighter holds an undefeated 19-0 professional record and currently competes at 145 pounds (66 kg) in Rizin. Shevchenko's endorsement of the young champion suggests she sees potential in the unbeaten prospect joining the UFC roster. Details about whether the UFC has shown interest in Shaidullaev or if contract negotiations are underway remain limited based on this statement.
Valentina Shevchenko has taken to social media to publicly call on the UFC to sign Rizin bantamweight champion Rajabali Shaidullaev, shining a spotlight on the unbeaten 25-year-old prospect and raising questions about his future in the sport.
Shevchenko, who holds the UFC women's flyweight title and carries a professional record of 26-4-1, needs little introduction as one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history. The 38-year-old Kyrgyzstan native trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and fights out of a southpaw stance, standing five-foot-five with a 66-inch reach. A complete and technically precise competitor, she lands 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and adds a consistent grappling threat, averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes. Her public endorsement of an outside prospect carries genuine weight given her standing in the sport.
Shaidullaev, 25, is undefeated at 19-0 and currently competes at 145 pounds under the Rizin banner, where he holds the bantamweight championship. Beyond his record and age, verified details about his physical attributes and fighting style remain limited, but his unblemished mark across 19 professional bouts underlines the attention Shevchenko's call-out has generated.
Why it matters
- Shevchenko's public endorsement gives Shaidullaev significant visibility he may not otherwise have had with UFC decision-makers.
- At 19-0 and just 25 years old, the Rizin champion could be an attractive addition to a UFC roster always seeking unbeaten prospects.
- No indication of formal UFC interest or contract talks has emerged from this statement, meaning any potential signing remains speculative for now.
