“You Ain’t John Wick, You Just John Pork” – Fans Trash Dagestani Prospect for Attacking Ilia Topuria After Debut Win

Magomed 'Chanco' Zaynukov takes aim at former champion Ilia Topuria following successful debut at UFC Abu Dhabi.

“You Ain’t John Wick, You Just John Pork” – Fans Trash Dagestani Prospect for Attacking Ilia Topuria After Debut Win

Magomed Zaynukov calls out Ilia Topuria (via Instagram)

Ilia Topuria became the lightweight division’s boogeyman after winning the vacant title at UFC 317. His intimidating reign ended brutally at UFC Freedom 250, where Justin Gaethje stopped him to claim the championship. Now, the former champion drew ire of rising prospect Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov, who targeted him after an impressive UFC debut in Abu Dhabi.

Zaynukov is an undefeated lightweight prospect from Team Nurmagomedov. He earned a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series 9 before making his promotional debut. Zaynukov then defeated fellow unbeaten prospect Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision at UFC Abu Dhabi, improving to 9-0.

Leading into UFC Abu Dhabi, Rzepecki was widely discussed as Topuria’s teammate. That connection fueled the rivalry between Topuria’s camp and Team Nurmagomedov. However, after beating Rzepecki by unanimous decision, Zaynukov called out the former lightweight champion.

They don’t know the type of life we have in Makhachkala. They haven’t seen life the way we’ve lived it. I don’t think they have any chance of coming out of that room. There’s no acting for the cameras over there. Everything is very different. We just don’t like to bring the trash outside the house.

Magomed Zaynukov told UFC media team

Ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi, Zaynukov said Rzepecki should view the matchup as an honor because he was facing a fighter from Team Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani prospect argued that the camp’s achievements had earned worldwide respect and insisted sharing the Octagon with one of its representatives was a privilege.

Even before UFC Abu Dhabi, Zaynukov made headlines during a UFC media activity by taking aim at Ilia Topuria. The Dagestani prospect intensified their growing rivalry with pointed remarks about the former champion. He doubled down after defeating Rzepecki, calling out Topuria inside the Octagon.

Topuria and Islam Makhachev were long linked to a superfight that never materialized after the Dagestani star moved to welterweight. Throughout their rivalry, Topuria repeatedly mocked Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy approach, calling his fighting style boring and questioning his willingness to stand and trade.

Topuria has also taken repeated shots at Khabib Nurmagomedov while building his rivalry with Team Nurmagomedov. He labeled the UFC Hall of Famer as overly “cocky” and even claimed he would submit Makhachev in front of Nurmagomedov before stepping on the Dagestani legend’s head.

Ilia Topuria is recovering from his brutal UFC Freedom 250 loss to Justin Gaethje and is serving a 180-day medical suspension. The former champion is expected to remain sidelined until receiving medical clearance. Meanwhile, Zaynukov is chasing bigger opponents to earn a future clash with ‘El Matador.’

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Fans react to Magomed Zaynukov’s threat to Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria enjoyed one of the UFC’s most dominant runs after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira in consecutive title fights. The three-fight knockout streak established ‘El Matador’ as one of mixed martial arts’ biggest stars and a feared champion.

Topuria’s fearless confidence and aggressive fighting style quickly made him a fan favorite throughout his championship run. His willingness to call out elite opponents and consistently deliver spectacular finishes earned widespread praise from MMA followers.

Ilia Topuria talks about recent court hearing
Ilia Topuria (via Yahoo Sports)

Some fans criticized Magomed Zaynukov for targeting Ilia Topuria immediately after his UFC debut, believing the Dagestani prospect was aiming too high. They argued Zaynukov needed more fights against ranked lightweight contenders before calling out a former two-division champion.

Fans also criticized Zaynukov’s comments toward Topuria, arguing the prospect crossed a line by targeting a fighter with a difficult upbringing. Many pointed to Ilia Topuria’s challenging childhood and rise to becoming a UFC champion, questioning the criticism directed at him.

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