Shaidulloev Unifies RIZIN and PFL Titles

Razhabali Shaidulloev defeated A.J. McKee by unanimous decision in the Super RIZIN.5 main event in Osaka, unifying the RIZIN and PFL featherweight titles. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for the Kyrgyz champion. The cards were decisive, but the opening was not: McKee dropped Shaidulloev early and became the first opponent to take him the full distance as a professional.

McKee lands first

McKee caught Shaidulloev with a left hook in the first round. The RIZIN champion stood up immediately, switched calmly to his wrestling and lifted McKee into a hard takedown. Shaidulloev then controlled the former Bellator champion for long stretches on the ground, even though McKee's guard limited the clean damage.

Shaidulloev took firm control in the second. He stopped McKee's takedown attempt, hurt him with a body kick and again won the clinch and ground exchanges. McKee briefly returned to his feet, but a right hook led into another takedown and more control through the end of the round.

Pressure and takedowns also gave Shaidulloev the longer stretches of the third round. McKee completed a clean takedown shortly before the final bell, but it was too late to change the fight. The three 30-27 cards reflect Shaidulloev's control. They do not fully show how dangerous McKee's opening success was, or how composed the champion remained after it.

Akimoto awaits on New Year's Eve

Kyoma Akimoto entered the ring after the decision and challenged Shaidulloev for RIZIN's traditional New Year's Eve event. The 20-year-old Japanese contender earned that position with a unanimous decision over former champion Kleber Koike in August. RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara gave the matchup his approval in the ring.

Shaidulloev's own statement added another layer to the booking: he said he has one fight remaining on his current RIZIN contract. The Akimoto bout could therefore be his final appearance for the Japanese promotion for now. His next move beyond that fight has not been officially settled.

Shaidulloev enters that final contract bout with more than two belts. Against McKee, he had to recover from an early setback and work for 15 minutes for the first time. He won through adjustment, ring control and persistent wrestling rather than another rapid finish. Akimoto now has the chance to keep both titles in Japan. Shaidulloev can leave RIZIN unbeaten and holding championships from two promotions.