Islam Makhachev's teammate Magomed Zaynukov, also known as 'John Pork', is set to make his UFC debut on July 25 against undefeated Polish prospect Damian Rzepecki.
What happened?
Zaynukov earned his UFC contract after a spectacular victory over Lucas Caldas on Dana White's Contender Series in October last year.
Why it matters for Islam Makhachev
The 31-year-old Zaynukov is a decorated kickboxer and a two-time IFMA Muay Thai world champion, and his popularity skyrocketed after his training partner Islam Makhachev introduced him to MMA great Demetrious Johnson.
What comes next?
The event, which takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, will mark the promotion's 23rd visit to the Kingdom and will be headlined by Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr. in their light heavyweight bout for the top contender status at 205 lbs.
Zaynukov enters the Octagon with a professional MMA record of 8-0, while Rzepecki has amassed a slightly better 10-0 record.
The undefeated prospect became an overnight sensation last year when his training partner Islam Makhachev introduced him to MMA great Demetrious Johnson as “Chanco,” in his thick Russian accent.
Fans online misheard the pronunciation as “John Pork,” the name of the viral computer-generated pig meme.
The name stuck, and his popularity skyrocketed overnight, with many MMA fans eager to see him in action.
Zaynukov is primarily a striker, and his skills were on full display during his DWCS bout with Lucas Caldas last fall.
Official statistics tracked him landing an astonishing 248 significant strikes across the 15-minute bout, officially setting a new all-time record.
The fight promises to bring fireworks to an already stacked card, with both fighters entering with a blemish-free record.
Umar Nurmagomedov will take on David Martinez in a bantamweight showdown, while Brazilian submission specialist Valter Walker will face Thomas Petersen in a heavyweight bout on the main card.
The event will be streamed on Paramount+, and fans can expect an exciting matchup between Zaynukov and Rzepecki.
Zaynukov has repeatedly made it clear that he strongly dislikes the name ‘John Pork’, due to his religious beliefs.
However, the name has stuck, and he is now one of the most well-known prospects in the UFC.
The fight between Zaynukov and Rzepecki is set to take place on July 25, and fans can expect a thrilling matchup between two undefeated fighters.