Keep an eye on him! Khabib and Makhachev's friend punishes Topuria's partner in his UFC Abu Dhabi debut.

Zaynkov promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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MMA prospect Magomed Zaynukov lived up to expectations and made a strong entrance into the world's biggest MMA organization. At UFC Abu Dhabi , held this Saturday (25), the Russian, a friend of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov , displayed striking quality and punished Damian Rzepecki , also a newcomer, in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). After 15 minutes of fighting, 'Chanco' won by unanimous decision, ending the Polish fighter's undefeated streak, who is a training partner of Ilia Topuria.

Interestingly, Zaynukov became popular even before fighting in the UFC. So much so that the Russian's debut in the company was one of the most anticipated by fans and MMA professionals, and not only because he belongs to the traditional Dagestani clan. Besides his friendship with the legendary duo, 'Chanco' won over the public because he is a striking specialist and possesses an aggressive fighting style. Therefore, the trend is that the company will accelerate his development.

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Magomed Zaynukov , 31, is a veteran of combat sports. Before starting his MMA career in 2021, the Russian excelled in Muay Thai. In his current sport, he has built a perfect record of nine wins, five of them by knockout.

Superiority in striking

Aggressive, Zaynukov started by relying on low kicks and elbows. Quickly, Rzepecki sought the grappling and took Zaynukov to the cage. In the clinch, Zaynukov landed knees on Rzepecki. In the striking exchanges, Rzepecki landed good jabs on Zaynukov, who responded with elbows. Again in the clinch, Zaynukov delivered knees to Rzepecki.

Still in the first round, Zaynukov was warned by the referee after illegally poking Rzepecki in the eye. In the final stretch of the round, the fighters went on the attack, with Zaynukov landing the better strikes. Undeterred, Rzepecki executed a good takedown on Zaynukov, but couldn't control him on the ground.

In the second round, Zaynukov remained superior in the striking exchanges and, after defending a takedown attempt by Rzepecki, took him down. Upon standing up, Rzepecki tried to surprise Zaynukov with a spinning elbow and took him to the cage. Again, Rzepecki took Zaynukov to the cage, but received punches and elbows and was left dazed.

Quickly, Rzepecki clung to Zaynukov again, who remained calm and delivered elbows. Comfortable on his feet and with Rzepecki bleeding, Zaynukov hunted him down around the octagon, landing straight punches, elbows, and high kicks. In the third and final round, Zaynukov frustrated Rzepecki with his evasive maneuvers and good takedown defense.

Standing, Zaynukov continued to hurt Rzepecki with elbows and straight punches. Even bleeding, Rzepecki didn't give up and landed a good elbow on Zaynukov, who responded with the same strike. In the clinch, the fighters exchanged elbows. Standing, Zaynukov landed powerful kicks on Rzepecki. In the end, Zaynukov even took Rzepecki down.

UFC Abu Dhabi results

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by knockout (punches) 2m39s R5

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Ramazan Temirov defeated Steve Erceg by knockout (punches) at 4:21 of round 1.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman – fight cancelled

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Rizvan Kuniev defeated Tyrell Fortune by technical knockout (knees) at 1:12 of round 3.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Abubakar Vagaev defeated Saygid Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen by submission (calf lock) at 1:32 of round 1.

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby by technical knockout (punches) at 4:48 of round 2.

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio by knockout (punch) at 3:06 of round 2.

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:44 of round 1.

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Abdul Hussein defeated Cody Gibson by submission (katagatame) at 3:07 of round 3.

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