Magomed Zaynukov seemingly played an element in Islam Makhachev\u2019s very first UFC title fight triumph.<\/strong><\/p>\n The undefeated lightweight prospect will finally make his Octagon debut at Saturday\u2019s UFC Abu Dhabi event on the Etihad Arena.<\/p>\n Before his fellow countryman Magomed Ankalaev headlines against Bogdan Guskov, the person referred to as each \u2018Chanco\u2019 and \u2018John Pork\u2019 will look to make a press release in his first outing against Damian Rzepecki.<\/p>\n The 31-year-old is the most recent of Makhachev\u2019s teammates to reach on MMA\u2019s biggest stage, they usually have trained together ever since Zaynukov was brought in for a crucial task 4 years ago.<\/p>\n Which do you rate higher? Undefeated or two-weight? Tell us within the comments.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2018The Eagle\u2019 was in his protege\u2019s corner in Abu Dhabi and guided his fight camp, which Zaynukov was an element of.<\/p>\n \u2018Chanco\u2019 was brought in by the team for the primary time to assist Makhachev\u2019s Muay Thai training, an area of the fight game that \u2018Do Bronx\u2019 is amazingly strong in.<\/p>\n The UFC newcomer recently described his first experience with Makhachev, having been amongst those contributing to the present welterweight king\u2019s first title win.<\/p>\n \u201cThe primary one, where was it? I feel the primary sparring (with Makhachev) happened in Kislovodsk,\u201d Zaynukov said during an interview with Red Corner MMA<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was preparing for Charles Oliveira. He brought me in as a Muay Thai fighter.<\/p>\n \u201cHe at all times says that once I first got here to the gym, I used to be a bit chubby,\u201d he continued. \u201cIn order that they brought me to the training camp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018Chanco\u2019 went on to discuss his growth as a fighter and athlete since he first joined the renowned Dagestani team.<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t do anything. I didn\u2019t even lift weights. After that camp, I actually improved, alhamdulillah, by way of my physique, my cardio.<\/p>\n \u201cThe primary training camp was very efficient for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Zaynukov became a viral social media star after a meme saw him given the nickname \u2018John Pork\u2019 while he was in Latest York City to support Makhachev\u2019s bid for two-division glory last November.<\/p>\nHas Islam Makhachev\u2019s UFC run surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov\u2019s?<\/h3>\n
![\"Islam](\"https:\/\/bloodyelbow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1\/2026\/01\/BE-3-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/div>How Magomed \u2018John Pork\u2019 Zaynukov helped Islam Makhachev\u2019s preparation before fighting Charles Oliveira<\/h2>\n
![\"Islam](\"https:\/\/bloodyelbow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/1\/2026\/01\/Islam-Makhachev-John-Pork-1024x559.png\")
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