Valentina Shevchenko publicly advocated for the UFC to sign Rajabali Shaidullaev, the 25-year-old Rizin champion in the 66kg division who holds a perfect 19-0 record. Shevchenko's endorsement of the undefeated fighter suggests she sees significant potential in him competing at the highest level. The post indicates support from the channel for Shevchenko's position. No indication was given whether the UFC has shown interest in Shaidullaev or if negotiations are underway. Shevchenko's voice carries weight as a former UFC champion and respected figure in MMA.
Valentina Shevchenko has publicly called on the UFC to sign Rizin champion Rajabali Shaidullaev, using her platform to advocate for the undefeated 25-year-old fighter to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Shaidullaev currently holds a perfect 19-0 record and is the reigning Rizin champion at 66 kilograms. No verified details from the UFC or Shaidullaev's camp indicate whether negotiations are underway or whether the promotion has expressed interest in signing him.
The endorsement carries considerable weight given who is delivering it. Shevchenko, 38, is the reigning UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, fighting out of Tiger Muay Thai and representing Kyrgyzstan. She holds a professional record of 26-4-1 and is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in MMA. A southpaw standing five-foot-five with a 66-inch reach, she lands 3.14 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate and adds 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, making her a genuinely dangerous threat across all phases of a fight.
Why it matters
- Shevchenko's standing as a UFC champion gives her call-out unusual visibility, potentially drawing the promotion's attention to Shaidullaev.
- A perfect 19-0 record and a Rizin title at 66 kg positions Shaidullaev as a credible prospect if the UFC were to explore signing him.
- The push reflects a broader conversation around talent development and cross-promotional recognition in global MMA.
