MVP Signs Undefeated RIZIN Champion Shaidulloev

Undefeated RIZIN featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev has signed a two-year deal with MVP, MMA Fighting confirmed Thursday following a report from Ariel Helwani. The move makes Shaidulloev the first fighter to join the MVP roster since the promotion merged with PFL earlier this year.

Shaidulloev defended his RIZIN belt and claimed the vacant PFL title Thursday night with a unanimous decision over A.J. McKee at Super RIZIN 5 in Osaka. The 25-year-old from Tajikistan went the distance for the first time in his career, improving his record to 19-0 with 18 stoppages.

What Shaidulloev Brings To MVP Featherweight Division

The RIZIN champion has rattled off eight straight wins under the Japanese promotion, stopping former titleholder Kleber Koike, Juan Archuleta, and Mikuru Asakura along the way. He will defend his RIZIN belt once more before making the jump, facing Kyoma Akimoto on the New Year's Eve card in Tokyo.

Akimoto earned his shot at the strap with a decision win over Koike in August. That bout will close out Shaidulloev's current RIZIN contract before he enters the MVP cage in 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — MVP inks deal with RIZIN, PFL champion Razhabali Shaidulloev