After months of anticipation, John Pork Fight Week is finally here!
Everyone’s favorite viral fighter Magomed Zainukov is set to make his official UFC debut in Abu Dhabi, where he faces fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki on the main card of Saturday’s Fight Night event. Zaynukov came to the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series with an impressive decision win over Lucas Caldas.
However, it was not this performance by Zainukov that became a sensation. Two unfortunate events are getting all the extra attention: someone created a meme joking that his nickname is “John Pork,” and Zaynukov’s attack on Dillon Danis in the crowd at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden.
The “John Pork” incident has raised his profile, but it clearly irritates Zainukov, whose real nickname is “Chanko” after his hometown in Dagestan.
“It started back in 2009 when I started my Muay Thai career,” he explained to Anatomy Of A Fight. “At the Dagestan Muay Thai Championship, my coach Ibragim Khedirov began calling me “Chanko.” I trained under him for almost 12 years and the name stuck. From then on everyone called me Chanko. Some even thought it was my real name. Now when people hear ‘Chanco,’ they know it’s me.”
Regarding the fight with Dillon Danis, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “The NYPD is already conducting a full investigation and all those responsible will be brought to justice.” No further statements were made, but questions were raised about Zainukov’s ability to return to America.
“Almost a year has passed since my last fight,” Zainukov said. “I’ve been waiting for this fight for a very long time. Inshallah, it’s time to return to Abu Dhabi. We are ready to conquer Abu Dhabi.”
“We all understand that everything we have been given is a test,” he later said. “Maybe this is a test to keep us from becoming arrogant. Our elders always remind us that no matter how popular you become or how big a star you are, you must remain humble. We follow the example of Khabib, our elders and Islam Makhachev. We try to remain as humble as fighters and carry ourselves with dignity and respect wherever we go.”
“After my fight in the Conteder Series, I was told not to chase the hype. The hype has to come on its own and you have to stay humble.”
The “John Pork” meme may get people’s attention on Zainukov, but it’s “Chanko’s” impressive cage work that turns casual observers into true fans. We expect him to show why the hype is real on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.