Published 32 days ago
The Kyrgyz Shaidullaev Expands His Empire at Rizin 5
Hidden h2 tag if not homepage
Rajabali Shaidullaev made history at Super Rizin 5 by becoming a double champion, retaining his Rizin FF featherweight title and claiming the PFL 65.8 kg belt against A.J. McKee.
To remember:
- Double champion at Super Rizin 5 at Kyocera Dome: Shaidullaev retained his Rizin FF featherweight title and won the PFL 65.8 kg belt.
- Strong performance against A.J. McKee despite a slow start, with dominant takedowns and ground strikes.
- Unanimous decision victory (30-27) for the third consecutive time, solidifying his status as a dominant force.
- A potential showdown with Kyoma Akimoto looms for New Year’s Eve.
A Historic Feat Under the Osaka Spotlights
Picture the scene: nearly 49,000 spectators at Osaka’s Kyocera Dome, an arena buzzing under the lights, and at the center, Rajabali Shaidullaev, the undefeated Kyrgyz fighter with a 20-0 record, ready to make history. That night, he didn’t just defend his Rizin FF featherweight title—he added the PFL 65.8 kg belt to his resume, becoming the first double champion of the event.
Standing across from him was A.J. McKee, a formidable opponent trying to halt his rise. But Shaidullaev, despite a slow start, regrouped with impressive tactical mastery. After a precise counter from McKee, the Kyrgyz fighter strung together takedowns and ground strikes, dominating the action with ruthless efficiency.
Unquestionable Dominance Despite the Challenges
The judges didn’t need lengthy deliberations: the verdict was clear. Unanimously, they awarded Shaidullaev a 30-27 scorecard, securing his third consecutive victory. This fight, though it marked his first time going the distance into the third round, confirmed what many suspected: Shaidullaev is an unstoppable force in the featherweight division.
His style—both technical and aggressive—is undeniably impressive. But beyond the stats, it’s his mindset that stands out. A tough start? No problem. Shaidullaev bounced back, proving once again that he never backs down from adversity.
A Bright Future Ahead: Could Kyoma Akimoto Be Next?
With this victory, Shaidullaev doesn’t just add another title to his collection—he opens the door to even more prestigious matchups. Among the names being floated, Kyoma Akimoto stands out. A showdown with the Japanese Rizin star would be a dream for fans and a massive challenge for Shaidullaev.
New Year’s Eve could well be the stage for this long-awaited clash. If it materializes, it would be a year-end gift for MMA fans—a battle between two of the world’s best featherweights.
Rajabali Shaidullaev not only confirmed his legend status but also elevated his game to a new level. With two belts to his name and an impressive momentum, the future looks brighter than ever. The only question now is whether Kyoma Akimoto will step up to close out the year with a bang.