Khabib Nurmagomedov was all reward following Magomed Zaynukov’s spectacular debut at UFC Abu Dhabi, however nonetheless went on to level out ‘one factor’ he felt was ‘not okay.’
Zaynukov made his long-awaited UFC debut on the principle card of the Abu Dhabi occasion on the twenty fifth of July, 2026. The 31-year-old took on younger Pole Damian Rzepecki, who was additionally making his promotional debut.
A dominant efficiency from Zaynukov noticed him beat Rzepecki by way of unanimous resolution, scoring 30-27 on all three judges’ scorecards. A stellar show noticed the Russian placed on a putting masterclass, highlighted by nasty elbows and a front kick that sent Rzepecki’s mouthguard flying.
Regardless of Zaynukov’s dominant efficiency, Khabib Nurmagomedov highlighted one missed alternative within the combat. ‘Chanco’ had missed a takedown, and Nurmagomedov let the 31-year-old learn about it after the combat. The previous UFC light-weight champion was quoted as saying, post-fight:
“It was an excellent, thrilling, and enjoyable combat, however you missed a takedown, and that’s not okay.”
‘The Eagle”s unbeaten document (29-0) when he retired is a testomony to him anticipating perfection in the whole lot.
Magomed Zaynukov additionally had a Message for Ilia Topuria after his win
Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov additionally took purpose at former light-weight champion Ilia Topuria following his win at UFC Abu Dhabi. Having discovered that Rzepecki is from Topuria’s staff, Zaynukov made it loud and clear which ‘faculty’ he was from within the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. He stated (by way of the translator):
Hey Ilia Topuria…He was saying that he was from the staff of Ilia Topuria. I’m from the staff of Nurmagomedovs. I come from the varsity of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. We don’t care who we combat, we’ll take everybody on.
It’s price noting that Topuria misplaced his light-weight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
