Fighting a Member of Team Khabib Nurmagomedov is Honorable for UFC Stars, Claims Rising Dagestani Prospect

Team Khabib Nurmagomedov's influence continues to grow as rising Dagestani prospect highlights the respect surrounding the legendary camp.

Fighting a Member of Team Khabib Nurmagomedov is Honorable for UFC Stars, Claims Rising Dagestani Prospect

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov (via Instagram)

Khabib Nurmagomedov retiring undefeated with a 29-0 record was only the start of a grand legacy. The Dagestani legend also opened a pathway for many fighters from the Caucasus region, while his camp produced champions across multiple promotions. Now, another rising teammate is set to enter the spotlight as Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov prepares for his promotional debut at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Zaynukov earned widespread attention after defeating Lucas Caldas by decision on Dana White’s Contender Series to secure a UFC contract. His popularity soared when Islam Makhachev accidentally pronounced his nickname “Chanco” similarly to the viral “John Pork” meme.

The moment spread rapidly across social media, making the undefeated Dagestani a recognizable prospect before his UFC debut. Months after becoming an online sensation through the viral meme, Zaynukov is finally set for his long-awaited UFC debut.

The undefeated Dagestani faces Poland’s Damian Rzepecki in a lightweight bout at UFC Abu Dhabi inside Etihad Arena on July 25. Ahead of the matchup, Zaynukov addressed the attention surrounding Team Khabib and shared his thoughts before stepping into the Octagon.

It’s a big honor for them to compete against someone from Team Khabib. There’s always a lot of talk when people fight against Team Khabib. Thanks to me, he is fighting on the main card just because of me.

Magomed Zaynukov via UFC Abu Dhabi media day

Zaynukov also raised his profile during UFC 322 after becoming involved in a cageside brawl with Dillon Danis at Madison Square Garden. The altercation erupted before the main card, with Zaynukov joining several members of Islam Makhachev’s team before security intervened and removed those involved.

Following the altercation, security removed both groups from Madison Square Garden before UFC 322 continued. Zaynukov later said he had no regrets about the incident. He believed Dillon Danis would receive the same reaction anywhere because of his repeated trash talk toward Team Khabib.

Before transitioning to MMA, Zaynukov compiled an 18-3 Muay Thai record with 10 knockout victories. He captured IFMA world titles in 2015 and 2016 before winning WMC Intercontinental championships in 2018 and 2019. His elite striking background and humble personality have made the prospect a fan favorite within the UFC community.

However, Zaynukov’s rapid rise also brought a reality check from Nurmagomedov. After the Dagestani was overwhelmed by his growing popularity in the United States, ‘The Eagle’ urged him to remain focused on fighting. The advice reflected Team Khabib’s disciplined approach before Zaynukov’s UFC debut.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy extends beyond his unbeaten career, inspiring a generation of champions from Dagestan across multiple promotions. His success transformed the region into an MMA powerhouse and opened doors for rising talent. Now, ‘Chanco’ will look to continue that tradition in the UFC.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to coaching duties ahead of Dagestan vs Ireland 2 in the UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov played a key role in Islam Makhachev’s rise, continuing his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov‘s training system. Nurmagomedov coached Makhachev after his retirement and helped guide him to the UFC lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

The influence continued when Makhachev made history at UFC 322 by becoming the 11th UFC two-division champion. He defeated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title and extended his winning streak to 16 straight victories. The achievement further highlighted Nurmagomedov’s impact on his career.

Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov (via X)

Makhachev is set to defend his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Nurmagomedov highlighted Garry’s height and range as key challenges for the champion. Ahead of the fight, ‘The Eagle’ was seen active in training camp alongside Makhachev and other members of his team.

Makhachev vs. Garry adds another chapter to the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry that began at UFC 229. The first major clash came when Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Conor McGregor in a heated lightweight title fight. Nurmagomedov won by fourth-round submission, creating one of UFC’s most memorable rivalries.

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