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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev humbled ‘John Pork’ with key advice after viral fame

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 12:02 AM ET

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev had to give vital advice to Magomed Zaynukov as his star continues to rise without ever fighting in the UFC.

Zaynukov has become a viral social media star after a meme which has seen him given the nickname ‘John Pork’. When he travelled to New York City to support Makhachev in his bid for a second belt at UFC 323, fans chanted for him as much as anyone on the card during pre-fight events.

And he became even more of a cult hero for his alleged involvement in the scrap between team Makhachev and Dillon Danis at cageside. The incident saw the former Bellator star banned from UFC events for life by Dana White, and cost him his return to MMA action the following month.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s key words of wisdom for Magomed Zaynukov

Earlier this week, Red Corner MMA and Khabib Nurmagomedov released a documentary entitled ‘How Chanko lives in Dagestan’. It follows the journey of Magomed Zaynukov as he trains for his UFC debut, which is yet to be booked, and tells the story of his upbringing in the tiny Dagestani village.

He has become massively popular online in recent months, but is still yet to prove himself in the octagon. And he was given some important guidance from Nurmagomedov, who is one of the biggest stars in the history of MMA.

“It’s over, he used to be a humble kid now he’s not,” Islam Makhachev joked while chatting with his teammate. “He himself was shocked by the way they recognized him in the United States, journalists were waiting in the lobby to get an interview.

“He went too far and Khabib slowed him down a bit. He said ‘Chanko, don’t chase the hype, the hype has to chase you’. So we slowed him down on time… It’s time for him to prove himself with actions, it might get tricky so he shouldn’t relax.

“If he keeps winning fights it will get easier in terms of media, in terms of his career. The UFC really cares about it now, so hopes are high and he has to live up to expectations.”

Islam Makhachev wants Magomed Zaynukov to face Rafael Fiziev

It appears that Zaynukov is awaiting some form of punishment for his involvement in the Danis brawl, which the documentarian seemed to imply was delaying his debut. He won a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year, and his first official UFC fight is majorly anticipated.

Makhachev has high hopes for his pal, and feels that he could take on a top 15 contender very quickly. Asked who he would book for his debut, the welterweight champion replied: “Of course they won’t give him Rafael Fiziev, but I’d love to see that fight.

“Fiziev comes from Muay Thai and Chanko has a solid background in Muay Thai. It would be a spectacular fight for the fans and I’d definitely want to watch it. I think they might make this fight in future.

“For his first couple of fights there’s a lot of good strikers out there. I know Chanko has improved his wrestling recently, I’d like it to be a spectacular fight against someone who wouldn’t want to wrestle so he can show the beauty of his Muay Thai.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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