John Pork, ‘Contender Series’ hero who snuck Dillon Danis, books UFC debut for July 25 in Abu Dhabi

· Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 07: Magomed Zaynukov of Russia reacts after a decision victory against Lucas Caldas of Brazil in a lightweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series season nine, week nine at UFC APEX on October 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Magomed Zaynukov has yet to make his UFC debut, but the undefeated lightweight has already made a name for himself in the combat sports community.

In addition to winning his fight on Dana White’s “Contender Series” last fall, the 8-0 “Chanco” — also known as “John Pork” following a garbled pronunciation from Islam Makhachev — endeared himself to MMA fans by putting hands on industry troll Dillon Danis.

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Now it’s time to see if Zaynukov, 31, can replicate those performances inside the Octagon.

The promotion recently booked Zaynukov opposite fellow undefeated newcomer Damian Rzepecki for the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi fight card on July 25, according to Marcel Dorff. The 24-year-old Rzepecki (10-0) spent his entire career on the International circuit, competing mostly for Fight Exclusive Night (FEN) in Poland.

Zaynukov did the bulk of his work in Dagestan and UAE.

UFC Abu Dhabi will be headlined by the light heavyweight showdown pitting Magomed Ankalaev against Khalil Rountree Jr., not long after Umar Nurmagomedov and David Martinez hook ‘em up at 135 pounds. Elsewhere on the card, Thomas Petersen and Valter Walker collide in heavyweight action.

For the current UFC Abu Dhabi fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.

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