“Chanko” Magomed Zainukov continues to be undefeated contained in the cage, however his most defining loss got here lengthy earlier than his UFC debut. In a latest interview clip shared by Pink Nook MMA, the Dagestani light-weight spoke at size about his late father and the hole between household pleasure and verbal approval.
Magomed Chanko Zainukov talks about his late father’s hidden pleasure
“My father by no means praised me personally,” Zainukov stated. “However he all the time complimented me when speaking to associates and kinfolk. He by no means stated that to me in individual. He handed away proper after I turned to MMA. I miss him a lot. I miss him much more now that I’ve achieved a lot and reached the most effective league on the earth, the UFC. I miss the sensation of him being pleased with me.”
Chanco, 31, explains that in his household, love and respect have been conveyed by means of what elders stated to others, somewhat than by means of direct reward. Solely after the demise of his father did he totally be taught from kinfolk and household associates how usually his achievements have been talked about in conversations.
Zainukov’s journey lends weight to these phrases. Born on January 2, 1995 within the mountain village of Chanko, Dagestan, taken from his hometown’s nickname, he first made his title in Muay Thai somewhat than wrestling. He turned a a number of IFMA World Champion, WMC Intercontinental Champion, and four-time Russian Champion, incomes the title of Honorary Grasp of Russian Sports activities in Muay Thai.
It wasn’t till 2021 that he totally transitioned to combined martial arts. Since then, he has compiled an 8-0 skilled document with 5 wins by knockout or TKO and three wins by resolution throughout promotions together with Eagle FC, RCC, AMC Struggle Nights and UAE Warriors earlier than being referred to as as much as Dana White’s Contender Collection. In October 2025, he outpointed Lucas Caldas in three rounds on the Contender Collection, securing a UFC contract and setting a brand new document for most important strikes in a light-weight Contender Collection, based on official information and newest studies.
A lot of the early consideration on Zainukov in North America centered on the mishearing of his nickname “Chanko,” which led to the “John Polk” meme. He has since requested followers to cease making jokes, citing cultural and non secular causes. Even my teammates seen how rapidly the highlight got here to me. Islam Makhachev stated Zainukov was stunned by the sudden recognition in america.
That context makes his feedback about his father really feel much less like a topical second and extra like a window into what’s driving him proper now. What he nonetheless seeks is the emotion he can now not obtain immediately: the quiet approval that he believes his father would have proven him in his personal approach.
