Shaydullaev On McKee Superfight At RIZIN 5

Razhabali Shaydullaev enters the biggest fight of his career Thursday night having never seen a third round.

The 25-year-old Kyrgyzstani featherweight champion faces former Bellator titleholder A.J. McKee at Super RIZIN 5 in Osaka, Japan, with both the RIZIN belt and the vacant PFL featherweight strap on the line. Shaydullaev carries a perfect 19-0 record into the dual-promotion main event, per MMA Mania, and has finished every opponent he has faced — seven by knockout, 12 by submission.

From Soccer Field to RIZIN Championship

Born in Jerge-Tal, Kyrgyzstan, Shaydullaev played soccer and practiced judo as a child before moving to Bishkek after high school to take up wrestling. He turned professional in 2019 and fought across Asia and Russia before RIZIN signed him in 2024. His promotional debut saw him submit Koji Takeda and former Bellator bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta before stopping Yuta Kubo. He claimed the RIZIN featherweight title in 2025 by knocking out submission specialist Kleber Koike Erbst in just 62 seconds, according to the report.

Since capturing gold, Shaydullaev has strung together five consecutive knockout wins, including stoppages of Viktor Kolesnik in 33 seconds, Japanese standout Mikuru Asakura, and Kubo again in their April 2026 rematch. The shift from grappling-heavy finishes to power striking has made him one of the most dangerous featherweights outside the UFC.

McKee brings a 25-2 record and has never been stopped in his career. He has won three straight fights since returning to 145 pounds and represents the toughest test Shaydullaev has faced by a wide margin. The winner leaves Osaka carrying two belts and a strong case for being the best featherweight outside the UFC. Super RIZIN 5 takes place Thursday at Kyocera Dome Osaka.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Who is Razhabali Shaydullaev? | Super RIZIN 5