By Luke Mullaney
Undefeated Russian lightweight Magomed Zaynukov (known online as John Pork) is the UFC’s newest contender to watch.
He makes his debut this weekend at UFC Fight Night, headlined by fellow Dagestani Magomed Ankalaev.
The “John Pork” nickname originated when team-mate Islam Makhachev introduced Zaynukov to Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in a YouTube video. Islam explained that Zaynukov is a highly accomplished international kickboxing champion.
However, Zaynukov is better known by his real nickname, “Chanko”. When Islam introduced him as “Chanko”, many Western UFC fans mistakenly heard “John Pork”.
Internet meme
John Pork is a well-known internet meme depicting a CGI pig with a human body. Fans, perhaps unfairly, drew comparisons between the two.
Clips quickly spread online, and more fans began calling Zaynukov John Pork. Since then, the joke has followed him throughout his fighting career.
By the time Zaynukov competed on Dana White’s Contender Series, most English-speaking fans recognised him as “John Pork”, despite knowing little about his fighting career.
Importantly, Zaynukov has repeatedly said he dislikes the nickname and prefers to be called “Chanko”.
Zaynukov’s record-breaking performances prove he’s the real deal
In his latest standout victory, Zaynukov earned a UFC contract by defeating Brazilian striker Lucas Caldas on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2025.
He dominated the bout from start to finish, earning a unanimous 30-26 decision.
The performance was highlighted by his record-breaking output, landing 248 significant strikes – the most ever recorded on Contender Series.
It showcased his technical ability, relentless volume and diverse striking arsenal.
Unlike the stereotypical Dagestani fighter, Zaynukov’s background is rooted in Muay Thai and kickboxing rather than wrestling.
Achievements
His achievements include two IFMA amateur Muay Thai world titles, a European championship, multiple Russian championships, WMC Intercontinental titles across multiple weight classes, Honoured Master of Sport status in Russia, and a professional victory over respected Thai fighter Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee.
Zaynukov is far from the average prospect. He is an elite Muay Thai competitor who trains alongside Islam Makhachev in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s world-renowned Dagestani camp.
Since making his professional MMA debut in 2021, he has compiled an 8-0 record. Five victories have come by TKO, four of them in the opening round.
Watching Zaynukov fight, it’s clear he is a relentless pressure fighter with outstanding technique. His high output, varied striking and willingness to engage make him one of the division’s most exciting prospects.
Zaynukov’s UFC 322 controversy
Before joining the UFC, Zaynukov was involved in one of the promotion’s biggest cageside brawls.
The incident took place at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden in November 2025, where Conor McGregor’s former training partner Dillon Danis – who has long-standing tension with Team Khabib – was also in attendance.
Shortly before the event, Danis had posted several highly offensive messages targeting Makhachev, Khabib and other members of the team.
Inside the arena, tensions between Danis, Zaynukov and several members of Makhachev’s team escalated into a physical altercation.
No regrets
Zaynukov later admitted he had no regrets about punching Danis, saying he felt Danis had crossed the line by repeatedly disrespecting his teammates and culture.
The incident resulted in Danis receiving a lifetime ban from attending UFC events, although the UFC did not press charges.
At the time, Zaynukov had only just earned his UFC contract, meaning the altercation could easily have cost him his place in the promotion.
Instead, it sent his popularity soaring. With many MMA fans already disliking Danis, footage of “John Pork” punching him quickly turned Zaynukov into a Dagestani hero. The punch earned him a rapturous welcome back at his home gym.
The combination of the “John Pork” meme, his connection to Team Khabib and the Dillon Danis brawl has given Zaynukov more pre-existing narrative than almost any fighter making their UFC debut.
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Zaynukov to be tested in UFC debut
This weekend, Zaynukov faces his toughest challenge yet: unbeaten former FEN lightweight champion Damian Rzepecki.
The fight will reveal whether Zaynukov has the skills to overcome an elite opponent whose game extends well beyond striking.
Rzepecki holds a perfect 10-0 record, with nine finishes: four by knockout and five by submission. His clearest path to victory is through grappling.
Although Zaynukov trains alongside some of the world’s best wrestlers in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp, his defensive wrestling and submission defence remain largely untested.
His elite Muay Thai background, relentless pressure and exceptional striking volume should give him a clear advantage on the feet.
However, Rzepecki is expected to disrupt that rhythm with takedowns and submission attempts.
A victory on Saturday would help transform Zaynukov from an MMA meme known as “John Pork” into one of the UFC’s most unlikely new stars.
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