Rajabali Shaydullayev has one fight remaining on his RIZIN contract, which is expected to take place at the promotion's traditional New Year's event. From January 2027, a two-year agreement with PFL/MVP comes into force, ruling out a near-term UFC move.
Rajabali Shaydullayev is set to honor his remaining RIZIN obligation before a new chapter of his career begins, with a two-year deal with PFL and MVP confirmed to take effect from January 2027.
The Uzbek fighter has one bout left under his current RIZIN contract, and that appearance is expected to come at the Japanese promotion's traditional New Year's event — one of the most high-profile nights on the Asian MMA calendar. Once that obligation is fulfilled, Shaydullayev will transition to PFL and MVP for a period of two years beginning in early 2027.
The timeline of the arrangement effectively closes the door on any near-term move to the UFC. With the PFL/MVP agreement locking him in through at least the end of 2028, any speculation about a UFC signing will need to be shelved for the foreseeable future.
Why it matters
- Shaydullayev's RIZIN farewell at the New Year's event gives the promotion a notable name for one of its most-watched cards of the year.
- The PFL/MVP deal signals a clear organizational commitment to building Shaydullayev as a marquee fighter outside the UFC's roster.
- UFC fans hoping to see him compete under the Las Vegas banner will likely have to wait until 2029 at the earliest.
The sequencing of his contractual commitments means Shaydullayev's path is mapped out well into the latter half of the decade, with RIZIN getting one final look before PFL and MVP take over his promotional future.
