Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov, known as John Pork, is set to make his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi after an extended wait following his signing in October of last year, with questions swirling around whether he is barred from competing on US soil following a brawl that drew condemnation from New York’s mayor.
When asked during an interview whether his Abu Dhabi placement was connected to the fallout from November’s events, Zaynukov was straightforward in dismissing the idea.
“I don’t think so. I haven’t had any issues because of it. As far as I’m concerned, nothing happened that would stop me from competing. I can still compete in America,” he said.
He explained the scheduling in more practical terms.
“Dubai was the closest available event because I hadn’t competed in a long time. They originally wanted to book me for Baku, but they couldn’t find an opponent there, so they moved me to Abu Dhabi,” he noted. “It doesn’t matter to me where I compete. I just wanted to get a matchup as soon as possible.”
He also confirmed that no official body had reached out to him regarding any restrictions.
“No one reached out to me or asked me anything about it. Nothing happened. Maybe people just started those rumors on their own,” he said, dismissing speculation that the altercation had resulted in any official consequences.
The brawl in question drew a public response from the mayor of New York, who called the conduct unacceptable. Despite the noise around the incident, Zaynukov maintained that it has had no bearing on his professional standing or preparation.
On the training front, Zaynukov has been preparing alongside UFC star Islam Makhachev and spoke highly of Makhachev’s development.
“Islam is in great shape. Every match makes him stronger. You can feel the difference when you train with him. He keeps improving, and it becomes harder and harder to keep up with him.”
He also opened up about working with Khabib Nurmagomedov, describing what it is like to go live with the former pound-for-pound number one.
“It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to train with Khabib. It feels like my body temperature rises, and the pressure he puts on you is incredible. It’s extremely difficult.”
Khabib, for his part, has offered Zaynukov guidance on handling the attention that has come with being part of the team and gaining recognition among American fans.
“He said to behave modestly. Khabib told me that there is no need to chase hype, that hype should come on its own,” Zaynukov said.
His opponent in Abu Dhabi is Damian Rzepecki from Poland, though Zaynukov said he knows little beyond that.
“I know that my opponent is from Poland, nothing more. For him this may be a confrontation, but for me he is just an opponent that I will have to overcome, that’s all.”
[Editor’s Note: Quotes have been translated and edited for clarity and readability.]
