PFL & RIZIN Make MMA History With First-Ever Double Title Fight at SUPER RIZIN 5
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The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and RIZIN Fighting Federation have announced a first-of-its-kind championship bout that will see two world titles contested in a single fight.
On September 10 at SUPER RIZIN 5 in Tokyo, reigning RIZIN Featherweight Champion Razhabali Shaidulloev will defend his title against former Bellator champion and current PFL Featherweight Champion AJ McKee.
In an unprecedented move, both the RIZIN and PFL featherweight championships will be on the line, making it the first time two promotions have simultaneously put their world titles up for grabs in the same fight.
The championship bout will be contested under RIZIN rules over three five-minute rounds.
A Historic First for MMA
Cross-promotional title fights have occurred before, but they have traditionally involved a fighter challenging for another organization’s championship. This matchup introduces an entirely new concept, with both promotions recognizing the bout as a championship fight.
The winner will leave Tokyo with both the RIZIN and PFL featherweight titles, a first in MMA history.
Shaidulloev enters as one of RIZIN’s most dominant champions. McKee is one of PFL’s biggest stars and one of the sport’s most accomplished featherweights.
RIZIN & PFL Leaders Celebrate Landmark Collaboration
The announcement was accompanied by statements from both promotions’ leadership. In the official press release, RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara and PFL CEO John Martin gave their thoughts on the collaboration.
RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara Reacts
RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara emphasized the significance of the partnership and what it represents for the future of the sport.
“We are truly delighted to join forces with PFL on an epoch-making initiative that will leave its mark on the history of combat sports worldwide.
“There have been several occasions in the past when a fighter has entered another organization and challenged for that promotion’s championship. This time, however, we are attempting something unprecedented: placing the championship belts of both organizations on the line in a single fight hosted by one promotion.
“RIZIN and PFL have different rules, regulations and approaches to presenting combat sports. By coming together and embracing those differences, we are opening the door to an entirely new world. I firmly believe this represents a historic and revolutionary step forward.
“RIZIN’s undisputed featherweight champion, Razhabali Shaidulloev, and one of the defining stars of PFL, AJ McKee, will collide with their reputations and the pride of their respective organizations at stake. This is nothing less than an MMA Big Bang.
“With the utmost respect for one another, let us fight with everything we have.”
— Nobuyuki Sakakibara, CEO of RIZIN Fighting Federation
PFL CEO John Martin Looks Ahead
PFL CEO John Martin believes the matchup fulfills the organization’s goal of delivering marquee fights to fans around the world.
“On September 10, we will make MMA history as AJ McKee is set to represent PFL at RIZIN 5 and headline against Razhabali Shaydullaev to determine the first-ever simultaneous champion between the two organizations and find out who truly is the best at 145 lbs.,” said John Martin, PFL CEO.
“When I became CEO at PFL, I made it my mission to bring together the best fighters and deliver the fights that the fans want to see. Now, with this extraordinary partnership, I can’t wait to honor that promise and bring a truly unique and fresh opportunity for the MMA community to enjoy.
“For me, it will be a special experience as I get to throw my full support behind one fighter, and I’m looking forward to being cage side to watch the “Mercenary” bring the titles to PFL.”
— John Martin, CEO of Professional Fighters League
SUPER RIZIN.5 Fight Card
In addition to the historic double-title main event, RIZIN announced six more bouts for SUPER RIZIN 5:
- Razhabali Shaidulloev vs. AJ McKee — RIZIN & PFL Featherweight Double Title Fight
- Mikuru Asakura vs. Shinya Aoki
- Ren Hiramoto vs. Karshyga Dautbek
- Yutaka Saito vs. YA-MAN
- Vugar Karamov vs. Ryo Takagi
- Roberto Satoshi Souza vs. Shunta Nomura
- Daichi Tomizawa vs. Donmai Kawabata
RIZIN also announced that Chihiro Suzuki has withdrawn from SUPER RIZIN 5. Additional information surrounding the event will be announced by RIZIN and PFL at a later date.
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