“Chanco” Magomed Zaynukov is still undefeated in the cage, but the loss that defines him most happened long before his UFC debut. In a recent interview excerpt shared by Red Corner MMAthe Dagestani lightweight spoke at length about his late father and the gap between family pride and spoken approval
Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov talks about the hidden pride of his late father
“My father never really praised me personally,” Zajnukov said. “But he always praised me when he spoke to his friends or family members. He just never did that to me personally. Just as I was transitioning to MMA, he passed away. I miss him so much, even more now that I have achieved so much and reached the best competition in the world: the UFC. I miss the feeling of him being proud of me.”
Chanco, 31, explains that in his household, affection and respect were communicated through what elders said to others, not through direct praise. Only after his father’s death did he fully learn from relatives and family friends how often his achievements had been mentioned in those conversations.
Zajnukov’s journey gives these words weight. Born on January 2, 1995 in the mountain village of Chanko in Dagestan, he takes his nickname from his birthplace and first built his name in Muay Thai instead of wrestling. He became a multiple IFMA World Champion, WMC Intercontinental Champion and four-time Russian Champion, earning the title of Honored Master of Sports of Russia in Muay Thai.
It wasn’t until 2021 that he switched completely to mixed martial arts. Since then, he has compiled a professional record of 8-0, with five wins by knockout or TKO and three by decision in promotions such as Eagle FC, RCC, AMC Fight Nights and UAE Warriors, before earning a call-up to Dana White’s Contender Series. In October 2025, he outpointed Lucas Caldas over three rounds on the Contender Series, securing a UFC contract and setting a new lightweight Contender Series mark for significant bouts according to official data and contemporary reporting.
Much of the early attention surrounding Zajnukov in North America focused on a misunderstood version of his nickname “Chanco”, leading to the “John Pork” meme. He has since asked fans to drop the joke, citing cultural and religious reasons. Even teammates noticed how quickly the spotlight arrived. Islam Makhachev has said that the sudden recognition in the United States took Zajnukov by surprise.
That context makes his comments about his father feel less like a viral moment and more like a window into what makes him tick now. What he’s still searching for is a feeling he can no longer receive directly: the silent approval he believes his father would have shown in his own way.
#Magomed #Chanco #Zaynukov #shares #emotional #tribute #late #father