Zaynukov: Long wait for UFC debut ‘a test to keep from being arrogant’
After months of ready, it is lastly “John Pork” struggle week!
Everyone’s favourite viral fighter Magomed Zaynukov is ready to make his official promotional debut at UFC Abu Dhabi the place he faces newcomer fellow Damian Rzepecki on the principle card of Saturday’s Fight Night occasion. Zaynukov got here into the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series, scoring a formidable determination win over Lucas Caldas.
That efficiency is not why Zaynukov has grow to be one thing of a sensation, although. All the additional consideration comes by way of two unlucky occasions: somebody making a meme joking that his nickname is “John Pork,” and Zaynukov attacking Dillon Danis within the crowd at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden.
The “John Pork” factor has raised his profile, but it surely’s clearly an annoyance to Zaynukov, whose actual nickname is “Chanko” after his hometown in Dagestan.
“It started back in 2009 when I was beginning my Muay Thai career,” he defined to Anatomy Of A Fight. “At the Dagestan Muay Thai Championships, my coach Ibrahim Khedirov started calling me ‘Chanko.’ I trained under him for nearly 12 years, and the name just stuck. From then on, everyone called me Chanko. Some people even thought it was my real name. Now when people hear ‘Chanko’ they know it’s me.”
Ace for the Dillon Danis brawl, New York City main Eric Adams declared “The NYPD is already conducting a full investigation, and everyone responsible will be held accountable.” No additional statements had been made, however questions have been raised about Zaynukov’s skill to re-enter America.
“After my last fight almost a year has passed,” Zaynukov mentioned. “I’ve been waiting for this fight for a very long time. Inshallah, it’s time to make our return in Abu Dhabi. We are ready to conquer Abu Dhabi.”
“We all understand that everything we’ve been given is a test,” he mentioned later. “Maybe it’s 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 stay humble. We follow the example set by 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 Conteder Series fight, I was told not to chase the hype. The hype should come on its own, and you should remain humble.”
The “John Pork” meme may get individuals to listen to Zaynukov, but it surely’s “Chanko’s” spectacular work within the cage that turns these informal observers into legit followers. We’re expecting him to present why the hype is actual on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
