MVP inks deal with RIZIN, PFL champion Razhabali Shaidulloev

Undefeated featherweight Razhabali Shaidulloev has signed a two-year deal with MVP MMA, becoming the first fighter to commit to the promotion since its merger with the PFL. The 25-year-old Tajikistani fighter will transition to MVP's roster in 2027 after completing his final obligations with RIZIN.

Shaidulloev capped a stellar performance at Super RIZIN 5 in Osaka on Thursday by capturing the vacant PFL featherweight title with a unanimous decision over A.J. McKee, his first bout to go the distance. The victory came while defending his RIZIN belt—a sign of his elite status across multiple promotions. With a perfect 19–0 professional record featuring 18 stoppages, Shaidulloev has established himself as one of combat sports' most dominant young talents, compiling an 8–0 mark under RIZIN that includes notable wins over Kleber Koike, Juan Archuleta, and Mikuru Asakura.

Before joining MVP, Shaidulloev will fulfill the final bout of his RIZIN contract by defending his Japanese promotion belt against Kyoma Akimoto on the organization's New Year's Eve card. Akimoto earned the title shot after defeating former champion Koike by decision in August.