UFC"Wild Chanco / John Pork"Magomed Zaynukov Record: 9-0-0
LightweightRecord9-0-0
Age31
DivisionLightweight · #65
MMA Elo1709
Last fightJul 25 2026
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Magomed Zaynukov has a 9-0-0 professional record and is 31 years old in the Lightweight division, representing Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School (1729 average active-roster Elo across 6 rated fighters). This profile tracks fight history, UFC stats, MMA Elo, record, age, and opponent links.
Last updated Jul 25, 2026 · Combat Edge fight database
Magomed Zaynukov bio
Personal background
Magomed Zaynukov is an undefeated UFC lightweight from Dagestan, Russia, fighting under the legacy of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School. Born on January 2, 1995, he is best known by two nicknames: “Wild Chanco,” a reference to his home village and aggressive style, and “John Pork,” an internet meme born when Islam Makhachev's accent made “Chanco” sound like the now-viral phrase. Unusually for the region, Zaynukov's foundation is striking rather than wrestling: he was a decorated Muay Thai competitor, racking up multiple Russian and world-level honors before turning to MMA. Standing 5'11" with a 68-inch reach, he eventually joined the famed Dagestani camp once led by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, training alongside Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov and other elite grapplers who rounded out his game.
Path to the UFC
Zaynukov's combat record stretches back to a 2018 Muay Thai bout, but his MMA career began in earnest in 2021 with a first-round TKO of Ramiz Ismailov at Eagle FC Selection 1. He kept the stoppages coming, halting Nasratullah Akhondzada in the opening round in early 2022 and knocking out Akzhigit Maksatbek Uulu in under a round at Leki Fighting Championship later that year. The early portion of his career was defined by violent, quick finishes that built his reputation across the Russian and Central Asian circuits.
Rising through the regional ranks
As the competition stiffened, Zaynukov's striking carried him. He stopped the experienced 9–4 Tamerlan Ashakhanov by second-round TKO at AMC Fight Nights in 2023, then opened 2024 with a first-round TKO of Erzhan Manarbek uly. The schedule grew tougher still on the international stage: he outpointed 6–2–1 Wilian Poles at UAE Warriors 51 in 2024 and edged the previously unbeaten 7–0–1 Shakhmar Sadygov by unanimous decision at UAE Warriors 58 in early 2025, proving he could win the close, technical battles as well as the early blowouts.
Contender Series breakthrough
Zaynukov earned his UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series in October 2025, taking a unanimous decision over the 6–1 Lucas Caldas to push his record to a perfect 8–0. The win capped a steady climb that turned a viral meme into a legitimate UFC prospect with a deep striking pedigree.
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Fighting style
Zaynukov is a pressure-based striker whose Muay Thai background drives a 63% finish rate, with five of his eight wins by KO/TKO and none by submission. His power and volume on the feet make him dangerous in any exchange, and his early-career run of first-round stoppages speaks to genuine finishing instinct. At the same time, three of his last four wins came by decision, including hard-fought nods over Poles and the unbeaten Sadygov, showing he can manage distance and pace over three rounds. As he enters the UFC, the open question is how his grappling, sharpened in one of the sport's best camps, holds up against the division's elite wrestlers.
Career highlights
- Undefeated 8–0 record — reached the UFC without a professional MMA loss, with five wins by knockout.
- Contender Series contract — defeated 6–1 Lucas Caldas by unanimous decision in 2025 to secure his UFC deal.
- Win over an unbeaten prospect — outpointed 7–0–1 Shakhmar Sadygov at UAE Warriors 58, proving he can win the close ones.
Career snapshot
Magomed Zaynukov career snapshot
Elo · Professional MMAMMA Elo
1709Good ratingElo trajectory (last 3 years)
Overall#420
Lightweight#65of 434 active
Peak1709
Last move+25
Opponent quality1521avg. pre-fight Elo · last 10
Career-high 1709 Elo after defeating Damian Rzepecki (2026-07-25)
Similar Elo in Lightweight
Recent Elo history
WinDamian Rzepecki2026-07-25 | Decision (Unanimous)+25WinLucas Caldas2025-10-07 | Decision (Unanimous)+13WinShakhmar Sadygov2025-02-22 | Decision (Unanimous)+14WinWilian Poles2024-07-27 | Decision (Unanimous)+13WinErzhan Manarbek uly2024-03-09 | TKO (Punches)+19Magomed Zaynukov quick answers
What is Magomed Zaynukov's record?
Magomed Zaynukov's professional MMA record is 9-0-0.
How old is Magomed Zaynukov?
Magomed Zaynukov is 31 years old.
What weight class is Magomed Zaynukov?
Magomed Zaynukov fights at Lightweight in UFC.
What gym does Magomed Zaynukov represent?
Magomed Zaynukov is associated with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School, whose 6 active Combat Edge fighters average 1729 Elo.
How tall is Magomed Zaynukov?
Magomed Zaynukov is 5'11" tall with a 68" reach.
How much does Magomed Zaynukov weigh?
Magomed Zaynukov competes at Lightweight, with a most recent weigh-in of 155 lbs.
What is Magomed Zaynukov's Combat Edge Elo?
Magomed Zaynukov's professional MMA Elo is 1709, with a peak Elo of 1709.
How strong is Magomed Zaynukov's recent opposition?
Magomed Zaynukov's latest 10 counted opponents averaged 1521 Elo immediately before their fights. This avoids using opponents' later career results with hindsight.
When was Magomed Zaynukov's last fight?
Magomed Zaynukov's latest tracked pro fight was against Damian Rzepecki at UFC Fight Night on Jul 25 2026.
What is Magomed Zaynukov's recent form?
Magomed Zaynukov's recent tracked pro form is W-W-W-W-W over the latest 5 decisive pro results.
How does Magomed Zaynukov usually win?
Magomed Zaynukov's 9 recorded wins include 5 knockouts, 0 submissions, and 4 decisions, with 56% ending before the final bell.
5Wins by knockout
0Wins by submission
4Wins by decision
0Loss by knockout
0Loss by submission
0Loss by decision
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Magomed Zaynukov stats
Record : 9 / 0 / 0Tracked UFC statistics may not cover a fighter's full career. Unavailable measurements are not zero.
Significant strikes landed per minute
15.67Fighter3.82UFC lightweight avg
Significant striking accuracy
61%Fighter46%UFC lightweight avg
Significant strikes absorbed per minute
4.80Fighter3.91UFC lightweight avg
Significant strike defenseThe % of opponents strikes that did not land
58%Fighter53%UFC lightweight avg
Average takedowns landed per 15 minutes
2Fighter1.67UFC lightweight avg
Takedown accuracy
0%Fighter28%UFC lightweight avg
Takedown defenseThe % of opponents TD attempts that did not land
0%Fighter59%UFC lightweight avg
Average submissions attempted per 15 minutes
0Fighter0.55UFC lightweight avg
Pro fight history
ResultOpponentMethodTimeRoundEventDateFight details
Amateur fight history
ResultOpponentMethodTimeRoundEventDateFight details
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