Magomed Zaynukov says UFC wait tests against arrogance
Magomed Zaynukov finally makes his UFC debut at UFC Abu Dhabi after nearly a year of waiting, facing fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki. The viral fighter, often meme-named “John Pork,” says the delay is a test to stay humble and avoid arrogance, following examples set by Khabib and Islam Makhachev.
Key Takeaways
- Magomed Zaynukov debuts on the UFC Abu Dhabi main card against Damian Rzepecki after almost a year idle.
- He earned a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series with a decision win over Lucas Caldas.
- His real nickname is “Chanko,” from his Dagestan hometown—not the viral “John Pork” meme.
- He frames the long wait as a humility test and cites Khabib and Islam Makhachev as role models.
- Extra attention also stems from a cageside clash with Dillon Danis at UFC 322 in New York.
Why did Magomed Zaynukov wait so long for his UFC debut?
According to MMA Mania, almost a year has passed since Zaynukov’s Contender Series win. He told Anatomy Of A Fight he has been waiting a very long time and feels ready to “conquer Abu Dhabi.”
The delay followed more than cage inactivity. Zaynukov was involved in attacking Dillon Danis in the crowd at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. New York City mayor Eric Adams said the NYPD was investigating, and questions arose about Zaynukov’s ability to re-enter America.
That backdrop helps explain why a Contender Series signee sat so long before an official promotional debut—and why Abu Dhabi became the stage for his return.
What does Magomed Zaynukov say about humility and hype?
“We all understand that everything we’ve been given is a test,” Zaynukov said. “Maybe it’s a test to keep us from becoming arrogant.” He added that elders remind fighters to stay humble no matter how popular they become.
He said he follows the example of Khabib, his elders, and Islam Makhachev, aiming to carry himself with dignity and respect. After Contender Series, he was told not to chase the hype—that it should come on its own while he remains humble.
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Why is Magomed Zaynukov called “John Pork” instead of “Chanko”?
The Contender Series decision over Lucas Caldas earned his UFC deal, but virality came from a meme joking that his nickname is “John Pork.” Zaynukov finds that label annoying. His real nickname is “Chanko,” after his hometown in Dagestan.
“It started back in 2009 when I was beginning my Muay Thai career,” he explained. At the Dagestan Muay Thai Championships, coach Ibrahim Khedirov began calling him Chanko. He trained under Khedirov for nearly 12 years, and the name stuck—some even thought it was his real name.
On Saturday’s Fight Night main card in Abu Dhabi, fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki stands in the way. Memes may draw eyes, but Zaynukov wants the cage work—not the joke name—to define him.