Magomed Zaynukov

Magomed Bekshievich Zaynukov is a Russian mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai kickboxer. He is currently signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the Lightweight division. In his Muay Thai career, Zaynukov was a two-time IFMA world champion and a WMC Intercontinental champion.

IG zaynukov_magomed

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. He regularly trained with Jason Wilnis. 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.

Mixed martial arts career

Although from a Muay Thai background, Zaynukov was part of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's camp in Dagestan known for its high-level wrestling. 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. Zaynukov stated to MMA Fighting in 2025 that he trained with fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Gadzhi Rabadanov.
Zaynukov faced fellow undefeated fighter Shakhmar Sadygov in a featured bout at UAE Warriors 58 in February 2025. 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 in a lightweight bout and was congratulated afterwards by his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Personal life

Zaynukov was born on January 2, 1995. He is from the village of Chanko in Dagestan, Russia. As a result, he was nicknamed "Wild Chanco". 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.

Championships and awards

Muay Thai

Professional

World Muaythai Council

* 2019 WMC Intercontinental 70 kg champion
* 2018 WMC Intercontinental 72.5 kg champion

Amateur

International Federation of Muaythai Associations

* 2017 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
* IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
* 2015 IFMA World Muaythai Championships 67 kg
* 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

Muay Thai and kickboxing record