Magomed Zaynukov scores gruesome win over Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi

Magomed Zaynukov has arrived in the massive leagues with a bloody unanimous decision win over Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Known to fans by the affectionate nickname of ‘John Pork’, Zaynukov won his way into the UFC on Dana White’s Contender Series last September. Despite a star-making few months, it took him until tonight to make his debut on the massive show.

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Perhaps what made his appearance much more impressive was that Zaynukov needed to do it without his primary coaching team. Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov are each in America ending training camps with Khabib Nurmagomedov leading the charge, so he travelled with a B-Team.

Magomed Zaynukov vs Damian Rzepecki UFC Abu Dhabi result

After being left to his own devices without his star-studded team this week, Magomed Zaynukov got off to a rocky start at UFC Abu Dhabi. His first round with Damian Rzepecki was marred by a gruesome eye poke from the Russian that caused a lengthy pause within the motion.

Once they returned, Zaynukov struggled to become familiar together with his tricky opponent, who represents Ilia Topuria’s team. Nevertheless, the second round was a much different affair, as he clearly hurt the unbeaten Polish powerhouse with big shots and cut him badly with elbows.

Zaynukov was dragged into the third round, and seemed to be combating a leg injury while speaking together with his corner team on the stool. He managed to maintain fighting and landing solid elbows, but did noticeably slow his pace.

The pair went the gap, with all three judges scoring the bout in favor of the Russian despite his rival’s spirited showing. 30-27 was the rating across the bout as ‘Wild Chanko’ scored his first UFC victory in front of an adoring Middle Eastern crowd.