Magomed Zaynukov earns unanimous decision in UFC debut at Abu Dhabi

Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov (aka “John Pork”) made his promotional debut this weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi, beating down Damian Rzepecki for three rounds and showing off his impressive striking skills. While it’s too early to start talking about the unranked Muay Thai specialist as a contender, Zaynukov is clearly looking forward to a time where […]

After months of anticipation, Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov (also known as “John Pork” in America) made his official UFC debut on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi. He showed off his full range of world class Muay Thai skills, battering Damian Rzepecki with kicks and elbows en route to a 30-27×3 decision. Following the win, Zaynukov said […]

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 24: Magomed Zaynukov throws a kick against Damian Rzepecki in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena July 24, 2026 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Whether you call him “Chanco” or “John Pork,” Magomed Zaynukov is a name to watch in the UFC lightweight division. The Team Nurmagomedov prospect put in a dominant performance Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi, outworking and out-striking fellow debutant Damian Rzepecki en route to a lopsided unanimous decision win. Chanco takes home the win! 👏 30-27×3 across the scorecards to score the win! [ #UFCAbuDhabi | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/b5cunJeNtb — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 25, 2026 There was plenty of hype surrounding the undefeated Zaynukov (9-0) ahead of his octagon debut, due to his impressive Dana White Contender Series performance this past October, his association with UFC greats Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, and a popular meme comparing him to social media character John Pork (a misinterpretation of his nickname Chanco). Nine months after winning a contract on DWCS, Zaynukov didn’t disappoint in his first official UFC fight. Facing a fellow undefeated fighter in Rzepecki, Zaynukov controlled the octagon from the start, consistently defending against Rzepecki’s attempts to wrestle and hold him against the fence, and connecting with solid strikes when in space. Zaynukov pulled away in the second round, bloodying Rzepecki with a stiff elbow in the clinch. Chanco is going to WORK in Round 2 🫡 [ #UFCAbuDhabi | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/5lOwPFu2kS — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 25, 2026 Though Zaynukov’s output slowed in Round 3, his superior striking and impressive clinch work carried him to a decision win with all three judges scoring it 30-27 in the Russian fighter’s favor. Zaynukov’s debut was only marred by an unfortunate eye poke in the opening round, though Rzepecki was able to continue and Zaynukov escaped with only a warning from referee Marc Goddard. That was a DEEP eye poke to start the fight for Magomed Zaynukov 😬 [ #UFCAbuDhabi | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/NOJlQurtwJ — UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 25, 2026 In his post-fight interview, Zaynukov took a shot at former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, referencing his rivalry with Zaynukov’s team and Rzepecki having sparred with Topuria in the past. View this post on Instagram “Hey, Ilia Topuria, I just wanted to make sure to come out here and do my work… he was saying he was from the team of Ilia Topuria,” Zaynukov said via a Russian translator. “I’m from the camp of Nurmagomedov. I come from the school of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. We do not care who we fight. We will take anyone!”

“John Pork” has arrived