UFC Abu Dhabi debutant ‘John Pork’ had a task in helping Islam Makhachev grow to be a champion

Magomed Zaynukov seemingly played an element in Islam Makhachev’s very first UFC title fight triumph.

The undefeated lightweight prospect will finally make his Octagon debut at Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi event on the Etihad Arena.

Before his fellow countryman Magomed Ankalaev headlines against Bogdan Guskov, the person referred to as each ‘Chanco’ and ‘John Pork’ will look to make a press release in his first outing against Damian Rzepecki.

The 31-year-old is the most recent of Makhachev’s teammates to reach on MMA’s biggest stage, they usually have trained together ever since Zaynukov was brought in for a crucial task 4 years ago.

Has Islam Makhachev’s UFC run surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov’s?

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How Magomed ‘John Pork’ Zaynukov helped Islam Makhachev’s preparation before fighting Charles Oliveira

Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in 2022 to grow to be lightweight champion, following within the footsteps of his friend and mentor, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.

‘The Eagle’ was in his protege’s corner in Abu Dhabi and guided his fight camp, which Zaynukov was an element of.

‘Chanco’ was brought in by the team for the primary time to assist Makhachev’s Muay Thai training, an area of the fight game that ‘Do Bronx’ is amazingly strong in.

The UFC newcomer recently described his first experience with Makhachev, having been amongst those contributing to the present welterweight king’s first title win.

“The primary one, where was it? I feel the primary sparring (with Makhachev) happened in Kislovodsk,” Zaynukov said during an interview with Red Corner MMA.

“He was preparing for Charles Oliveira. He brought me in as a Muay Thai fighter.

“He at all times says that once I first got here to the gym, I used to be a bit chubby,” he continued. “In order that they brought me to the training camp.”

‘Chanco’ went on to discuss his growth as a fighter and athlete since he first joined the renowned Dagestani team.

“I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t even lift weights. After that camp, I actually improved, alhamdulillah, by way of my physique, my cardio.

“The primary training camp was very efficient for me.”

Zaynukov became a viral social media star after a meme saw him given the nickname ‘John Pork’ while he was in Latest York City to support Makhachev’s bid for two-division glory last November.