Magomed Zaynukov
Russian mixed martial artist (born 1995)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Magomed Bekshievich Zaynukov (Russian: Магомед Бекшиевич Зайнуков; born January 2, 1995) is a Russian mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai kickboxer. He is currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the Lightweight division.[2] In his Muay Thai career, Zaynukov was a two-time IFMA world champion and a WMC Intercontinental champion.
January 2, 1995
Botlikhsky, Dagestan, Russia
| Magomed Zaynukov | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | Magomed Bekshievich Zainukov January 2, 1995 Botlikhsky, Dagestan, Russia |
| Native name | Магомед Зайнуков |
| Other names | Wild Chanco |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[1] |
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb) |
| Division | Lightweight |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm)[1] |
| Style | Muay Thai, Kickboxing |
| Fighting out of | Makhachkala, Russia |
| Team | Eagles MMA Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School |
| Years active | 2014–2019 (Muay Thai) 2021–present (MMA) |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 21 |
| Wins | 18 |
| By knockout | 10 |
| Losses | 3 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 8 |
| Wins | 8 |
| By knockout | 5 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Muay Thai career
In Muay Thai, Zaynukov was a four-time Russian champion, a European champion, a two-time IFMA world champion, and won the WMC Intercontinental Championship.[3][4] He regularly trained with Jason Wilnis.[5] For his achievements, Zaynukov was named a Honored Master of Sports of Russia. Zaynukov defeated world champion Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee in December 2018, in a bout held in Perm, Russia.[6]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Although from a Muay Thai background, Zaynukov was part of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's camp in Dagestan known for its high-level wrestling.[7] He made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2021 and by 2025 he had an unbeaten 6–0 record. He won his first five fights by first-round stoppage.[8] Zaynukov stated to MMA Fighting in 2025 that he trained with fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Gadzhi Rabadanov.[9]
Zaynukov faced fellow undefeated fighter Shakhmar Sadygov in a featured bout at UAE Warriors 58 in February 2025.[10] He won by unanimous decision. Zaynukov subsequently competed on Dana White's Contender Series in October 2025. He defeated Lucas Caldas by unanimous decision and was awarded a contract in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Zaynukov broke the Contender Series record for most significant strikes landed (248) in a lightweight bout and was congratulated afterwards by his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.[11][12]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Zaynukov is scheduled to make his UFC debut against Damian Rzepecki on July 25, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 282.[13]
Personal life
Zaynukov was born on January 2, 1995.[1] He is from the village of Chanko in Dagestan, Russia. As a result, he was nicknamed "Wild Chanco".[14] In 2024, Zaynukov's teammate Islam Makhachev referred to him as "Chanco" but this was misinterpreted as "John Pork", which is an internet meme about a cartoon pig. Zaynukov said in October 2025 that he disliked the name "John Pork" and requested that fans do not call him that.[12][15]
Championships and awards
Muay Thai
Professional
- World Muaythai Council[16]
- 2019 WMC Intercontinental 70 kg champion[17]
- 2018 WMC Intercontinental 72.5 kg champion
Amateur
- International Federation of Muaythai Associations[18]
- 2017 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
- 2016 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
[19] - 2015 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg [20][21]
- 2014 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
- 2013 IFMA World Muaythai Championships Junior 63.5 kg
- 2012 IFMA World Muaythai Championships Junior 63.5 kg
- 2017 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
Mixed martial arts record
| 8 matches | 8 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 5 | 0 |
| By decision | 3 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 8–0 | Lucas Caldas | Decision (unanimous) | Dana White's Contender Series 85 | October 7, 2025 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 7–0 | Shakhmar Sadygov | Decision (unanimous) | UAE Warriors 58 | February 22, 2025 | 3 | 5:00 | Al Ain, United Arab Emirates | Return to Lightweight. |
| Win | 6–0 | Wilian Poles | Decision (unanimous) | UAE Warriors 51 | July 27, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Catchweight (160 lb) bout. |
| Win | 5–0 | Erzhan Manarbekov | TKO (punches) | RCC Intro 31 | March 9, 2024 | 1 | 4:09 | Yekaterinburg, Russia | Catchweight (161 lb) bout. |
| Win | 4–0 | Tamirlan Ashakhanov | TKO (punches) | AMC Fight Nights 121 | July 14, 2023 | 2 | 4:29 | Moscow, Russia | Catchweight (161 lb) bout. |
| Win | 3–0 | Maksatbek Akzhigit Uulu | KO (punch) | Leki FC 2 | December 13, 2022 | 1 | 1:40 | Moscow, Russia | Welterweight debut. |
| Win | 2–0 | Nasratullah Akhondzada | TKO (punches) | Eagle FC: Selection 4 | January 29, 2022 | 1 | 2:30 | Kizilyurt, Russia | |
| Win | 1–0 | Ramiz Ismailov | TKO (punches) | Eagle FC: Selection 1 | February 20, 2021 | 1 | N/A | Kaspiysk, Russia | Lightweight debut. |
Muay Thai and kickboxing record
| 18 Wins (10 (T)KOs), 3 Losses | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-11-01 | Win |  Masoud Minaei | Battle of Champions 11 | Moscow, Russia | TKO (Doctor stoppage) | 2 | 1:40 | |
| Wins the WMC Intercontinental -70kg title. | ||||||||
| 2019-08-25 | Win |  | YungFeng Showdown | China | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-12-22 | Win |  Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee | MUAYTHAI FACTORY | Russia | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins the vacant WMC Intercontinental -72.5kg title. | ||||||||
| 2018-09-22 | Win | Miao Wei | YungFeng Showdown | China | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-07-28 | Win | Yang Hao Dong | YungFeng Showdown | China | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-12-23 | Win | Keivan Soleimani | YungFeng Showdown | China | TKO | 1 | ||
| 2017- | Win | Guo Dechao | China | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | ||
| 2016-03-12 | Loss | Yodpayak Sitsongpeenong | SUPER MUAYTHAI | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-02-28 | Loss | Sinsamut Klinmee | SUPER MUAYTHAI | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (High kick) | 2 | ||
| 2016-01-24 | Loss | Yodpayak Sitsongpeenong | SUPER MUAYTHAI | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-01-03 | Win | Weerasak | SUPER MUAYTHAI, Tournament Final | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Left hook to the body) | 2 | ||
| 2016-01-03 | Win |  Yoon | SUPER MUAYTHAI, Tournament Semifinal | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Elbow) | 1 | ||
| 2015-12-05 | Win | Petchmankong P.K.SaenchaiMuaythaiGym | SUPER MUAYTHAI | Bangkok, Thailand | KO (Punches) | 1 | ||
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-05-10 | Loss | Mana Samchaiyaphum | IFMA World Championships 2017, Semifinals | Minsk, Belarus | Decision (29:28) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins 2017 IFMA World Championships -67kg Bronze Medal. | ||||||||
| 2017-05-07 | Win | Kaveh Soleymani | IFMA World Championships 2017, Quarterfinals | Minsk, Belarus | Decision (30:27) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-05-05 | Win |  Bekzhan Matysaev | IFMA World Championships 2017, First Round | Minsk, Belarus | Decision (30:27) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-05-28 | Win | Sitthichot Yutthapong | IFMA World Championships 2016, Final | Jonkoping, Sweden | Decision (29:28) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins 2016 IFMA World Championships -67kg Gold Medal. | ||||||||
| 2016-05-26 | Win |  Sosom Surachai | IFMA World Championships 2016, Semifinals | Jonkoping, Sweden | Decision (30:27) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-05-24 | Win |  Fabien Seghiri | IFMA World Championships 2016, Quarterfinals | Jonkoping, Sweden | TKO | 1 | ||
| 2015-08- | Win |  Kurt Staiti | IFMA World Championships 2015, Final | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins 2016 IFMA World Championships -67kg Gold Medal. | ||||||||
| 2015-08- | Win | Piya Fueangfu | IFMA World Championships 2015, Semifinals | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-08- | Win |  Ali Batmaz | IFMA World Championships 2015, Quarterfinals | Bangkok, Thailand | TKO | 3 | ||
| 2015-08- | Win |  Dmitry Varats | IFMA World Championships 2015, First Round | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2014-05- | Loss | Ali Batmaz | IFMA World Championships 2014, Semifinals | Langkawi, Malaysia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Wins 2014 IFMA World Championships -67kg Bronze Medal. | ||||||||
| 2014-05- | Win |  Marcin Lepkowski | IFMA World Championships 2014, Quarterfinals | Langkawi, Malaysia | Decision | 3 | 3:00 | |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||