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RIZIN and PFL featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidullaev has expressed interest in fighting Alexander Volkanovski after the Australian successfully defended his UFC featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333.
Shaidullaev shared his reaction on X on October 25, praising Volkanovski’s performance while offering words of encouragement to Evloev, who suffered the first defeat of his professional MMA career.
The comments have generated interest in a potential matchup between two of the featherweight division’s most accomplished current champions outside and inside the UFC. However, Shaidullaev’s message represents an expression of interest rather than confirmation that a fight is being negotiated or booked.
Volkanovski Stops Evloev at UFC 333
Alexander Volkanovski delivered an impressive performance at UFC 333, stopping previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev by second-round TKO at 4:54 to retain his UFC featherweight championship. The Australian used his striking accuracy, movement and defensive wrestling to frustrate Evloev before finding the decisive opening late in the second round.
Volkanovski hurt the Russian with a powerful right hand before following up with a series of punches that forced the referee to intervene. The victory handed Evloev the first defeat of his professional career and further strengthened Volkanovski’s position among the greatest featherweights in UFC history.
With another successful title defence behind him, attention will now turn to the champion’s next challenge. Several contenders will be hoping to earn a shot at the belt, while Volkanovski has indicated that he remains interested in testing himself against the division’s best. However, the UFC has yet to officially announce his next opponent.
Razhabali Shaidullaev’s Victory Over A.J. McKee
Razhabali Shaidullaev has built his own reputation through an impressive run in RIZIN, culminating in a major victory over former Bellator champion A.J. McKee at Super RIZIN 5 in Osaka on September 10.
The Tajikistani fighter won by unanimous decision after three rounds, retaining his RIZIN featherweight championship and capturing the vacant PFL featherweight title. The result established him as a champion across both promotions.
The fight also marked a notable moment in Shaidullaev’s career because McKee took him the distance for the first time. Shaidullaev nevertheless controlled enough of the contest to secure the judges’ unanimous verdict. His championship success has helped establish him as one of the leading featherweights competing outside the UFC.
Could Shaidullaev Fight Volkanovski?
A potential meeting between Shaidullaev and Volkanovski would be an intriguing matchup between a dominant champion from RIZIN and PFL and one of the UFC’s most experienced featherweights.
Shaidullaev would have the opportunity to measure his abilities against a fighter with an extensive championship résumé. Volkanovski, meanwhile, would face an undefeated challenger who has demonstrated his ability to compete against established international opposition.
However, promotional arrangements remain a major obstacle. MMA Fighting reported in September that Shaidullaev had agreed to a two-year deal with Most Valuable Promotions, with his move to the roster planned for 2027. He was also reported to be scheduled to defend his RIZIN title against Kyoma Akimoto on the promotion’s New Year’s Eve card.
Volkanovski remains the UFC featherweight champion, meaning any potential cross-promotional contest would require the relevant contractual and promotional arrangements.
Neither Shaidullaev’s public message nor the reporting available confirms that such arrangements are underway.
For now, the callout is an expression of ambition rather than a confirmed matchup. Shaidullaev has made his interest clear, but whether the two champions eventually meet remains to be seen.
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