The latest fighter to emerge from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team made a splash last Saturday.
Magomed Zaynukov won his UFC debut, as he appeared on the undercard of fellow Dagestani Magomed Ankalaev’s return to action.
The man known as both ‘Chanko’ and ‘John Pork’ dominated the previously undefeated Damian Rzepecki with his renowned striking arsenal across three rounds at UFC Abu Dhabi.
The 31-year-old looked far from being an unpolished prospect, and Nurmagomedov thinks his fellow countryman’s work in the training room is the reason why.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov tells prospects they must train with the best like UFC newcomer ‘John Pork’
Under the guidance of ‘The Eagle’, Zaynukov has been training alongside some of the best fighters in MMA.
‘John Pork’ was brought in to help Islam Makhachev ahead of the current UFC welterweight champion’s lightweight title shot against Charles Oliveira in October 2022.
He has been honing his craft by sparring with Makhachev and others since then. The legendary Nurmagomedov believes that is exactly what other “beginners” must do to replicate his successful UFC arrival.
“Over the past 3-4 years, Magomed has done a great job,” Nurmagomedov wrote on his Instagram Stories.
“He plowed a lot and waited for his moment. And it’s worth noting that in sparring with Islam, he grew a lot.
“This is something for many beginners to note,” he continued. “If you want to be the best, you have to endure the hard work with the best.”
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Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
‘Chanko’ is certainly not short on confidence despite having just one fight on his UFC record.
The newcomer targeted Ilia Topuria with trash talk both before and after his successful debut, perhaps looking to face ‘El Matador’ down the line amid the Spaniard’s rivalry with Makhachev.
2026-07-30 06:00:00
