Magomed Zaynukov, known as “Chanco,” has become a major star around Islam Makhachev’s team even before making his UFC debut. He is an 8-0 fighter, a two-time Muay Thai world champion, and one of the main partners responsible for improving Makhachev’s striking. His fame exploded after a viral video where fans misheard Makhachev calling him “Chanco” and instead thought he said “John Pork.” The nickname turned into a massive meme, making Zaynukov a fan favorite overnight.
During the UFC 322 press conference, Chanco became one of the most talked-about people in the room. Even though he has not fought in the UFC yet, the crowd gave him huge cheers as soon as he appeared. Fans kept shouting “John Pork!” at him because of the meme, and the chants grew so loud that they almost took over the press conference.
His unexpected internet fame suddenly became real, and he ended up stealing attention from the actual fighters on stage. Islam Makhachev reacted with surprise and amusement as the crowd kept chanting, while Chanco stood there dealing with a nickname he has repeatedly said he does not like. The press conference showed how the meme pushed him into the spotlight, and he now wants people to remember him as “Chanco” while he prepares for his UFC debut.
Is Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov a UFC fighter?
Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series about a month earlier, but he was already being mobbed by fans during the UFC 322 fight week. Both he and Makhachev have asked people to stop calling him “John Pork,” though they now take it with humor because the meme boosted his popularity and social media visibility.
His profile grew even more during UFC 322 when he was kicked out of Madison Square Garden after a clash with Dillon Danis. The confrontation had roots in the long-standing hostility between Team Khabib/Makhachev and Danis dating back to the McGregor–Khabib rivalry.
Zaynukov said he didn’t regret it and even felt Danis deserved more. As a result, Dana White banned Danis from attending future UFC events, while Zaynukov simply watched the title fight from the hotel and reunited with the team afterward.
Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov react to the UFC 322 brawl with Dillon Danis
Magomed Zaynukov said he has no regrets about the UFC 322 brawl with Dillon Danis and believes what happened was “not enough.”
He explained that Danis had been posting insulting things about Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and their team. Zaynukov said he considers them his brothers, so when he saw Danis in the crowd, he reacted immediately. He said he ran in and punched Danis, which started the full brawl. Security removed everyone involved, and Zaynukov later said it would have been better to watch the event from the hotel.
Zaynukov said he didn’t know Danis would be there and believed Danis only showed up for attention. He said that in his culture, if someone insults your people, you must answer for it, and Danis crossed that line.
No one was seriously hurt, no charges were filed, and Dana White banned Danis from future UFC events. Zaynukov only suffered small cuts on his knuckles but said he wished he had the chance to do more because Danis still deserved a stronger response.
FAQs
Q. Why do they call Chanco “John Pork”?
A. Fans misunderstood Zaynukov’s nickname “Chanco” and thought it sounded like “John Pork.” He has repeatedly asked fans to stop using that name.
Q. Is the John Pork meme real?
A. No. “John Pork” is not a real person. It is a virtual influencer with a pig-like appearance that later became a meme.
Q. What languages does Magomed Zaynukov speak?
A. Zaynukov speaks Russian.
Q. Is Magomed Zaynukov Russian?
A. Yes. Zaynukov is Russian. He is an 8-0 fighter and a two-time Muay Thai world champion.
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