RIZIN Fighting Federation and the Professional Fighters League have announced an unprecedented cross-promotional main event for SUPER RIZIN.5.

For the first time ever, two separate world championships will be decided in a single fight.

Reigning RIZIN Featherweight Champion Razhabali Shaidulloev will defend his title against American superstar and former PFL world champion AJ McKee. Both the RIZIN Featherweight Championship and the PFL World Featherweight Championship will be on the line at once.

One fight. Two world titles. One winner walking away with both belts.

A New Concept in Combat Sports

Fighters have crossed over into rival organizations to challenge for a title before, but RIZIN and PFL are introducing something entirely different.

This is a bout hosted by a single promotion in which both organizations’ championship belts are contested at the same time.

The fight brings together two elite featherweights, two major international MMA promotions and two very different combat sports philosophies. Shaidulloev enters as RIZIN’s dominant reigning champion, while McKee arrives as one of PFL’s most recognizable stars.

Both fighters will be competing for more than just the win — they’re fighting for the pride of their organizations and a place in MMA history.

The bout is set for September 10 and will be contested under RIZIN MMA Rules over three five-minute rounds at 66.0 kilograms (145.5 pounds).

RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara called the partnership a milestone moment for 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,” Sakakibara said. “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.”

He added that RIZIN and PFL’s differing rules and approaches make the collaboration even more significant. “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,” he said.

PFL CEO John Martin echoed that sentiment, framing the fight as the fulfillment of a promise he made when he took over the organization.

“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.,” Martin said. “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.”

Martin said he’s looking forward to a rare experience as an executive fully behind one competitor. “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.”

Shaidulloev Defends Home Turf Against PFL’s Biggest Star

Shaidulloev has built his reputation as the commanding force atop RIZIN’s featherweight division.

The champion from Kyrgyzstan now faces the biggest international test of his career as he defends his RIZIN title while attempting to add PFL gold to his collection.

Standing opposite him is McKee, whose speed, athleticism, versatility and finishing instincts have made him one of the most talked-about featherweights of his generation.

The winner will leave the cage as the unified RIZIN and PFL Featherweight Champion — a distinction never before achieved inside the RIZIN ring.

The double title fight anchors a stacked SUPER RIZIN.5 card that includes six additional matchups. Headlining the undercard is a lightweight super fight between RIZIN superstar Mikuru Asakura and Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki, a clash between two of the sport’s most influential domestic figures.

Also announced for the card:

• Ren Hiramoto vs. Karshyga Dautbek (Featherweight)
• Yutaka Saito vs. YA-MAN (Featherweight)
• Vugar Karamov vs. Ryo Takagi (Featherweight)
• Roberto Satoshi Souza vs. Shunta Nomura (Lightweight)
• Daichi Tomizawa vs. Donmai Kawabata (59.0 kg)

RIZIN also confirmed that Chihiro Suzuki has withdrawn from the SUPER RIZIN.5 card. Fans who purchased Chihiro Suzuki Support Seats will be eligible for refunds, with further details to be released through RIZIN’s official channels.

A recorded message from Suzuki addressing his withdrawal is expected to air during the official announcement press conference.

RIZIN has also opened sales for designated Razhabali Shaidulloev Support Seats, with ticketing details to follow on RIZIN’s official website and social media platforms.

Additional information on the full fight card, ticketing, and broadcast and international viewing options is expected in the coming weeks. All bouts are subject to change.