Shaydullaev Defeats McKee, Signs With MVP

Razhabali Shaydullaev beat A.J. McKee by unanimous decision at Super RIZIN 5 on Thursday, claiming both the RIZIN and PFL featherweight championships while extending his undefeated record to 20-0.

The fight nearly ended early when McKee landed a clean combination that dropped Shaydullaev in the opening round. The champion recovered quickly, hoisting McKee into the air and slamming him to the canvas before taking control from top position. MMA Mania reports that Shaydullaev smothered McKee with ground strikes across the final two rounds, weathering occasional scrambles and knees from the former Bellator champion. McKee briefly took the back in round three but lost the position as fatigue set in. All three judges scored it 30-27 for Shaydullaev.

What Shaydullaev's MVP Deal Means For UFC Prospects

McKee became the first opponent to hear the final bell against Shaydullaev, snapping a perfect finishing streak that saw the Kyrgyzstani stop 19 straight opponents by knockout or submission. The 25-year-old still has one RIZIN fight remaining on his contract and is expected to face Kyoma Akimoto at the promotion's New Year's Eve event after the challenger entered the ring for a post-fight staredown.

According to Ariel Helwani, Shaydullaev has signed a two-year agreement with MVP MMA that begins in January 2027 when the merged PFL-MVP organization starts operating under the MVP banner. Helwani reports that Shaydullaev is the first major fighter signed by the combined promotion.

The deal closes the door on a potential UFC move for one of the sport's most dangerous unsigned featherweights. Shaydullaev will instead test himself against MVP competition starting early next year.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Razhabali Shaydullaev defeats A.J. McKee for RIZIN, PFL titles, reportedly signs with MVP | Super RIZIN 5