Magomed Zaynukov‘s Contender Series victory may have won him a UFC contract, but the conversation online hasn’t entirely focused on his impressive performance inside the cage. Instead, one nickname, the result of a simple mispronunciation, has taken on a life of its own among fans, much to Zaynukov’s frustration. In fact, the fighter, nicknamed ‘Wild Chanco,’ felt compelled to address the growing meme culture directly.

The 8-0 lightweight faced Lucas Caldas in a feature bout that offered a fast-paced, high-volume striking display. Zaynukov dominated the bout with leg kicks, counters, and body blows, ultimately winning by unanimous decision. Dana White rewarded his performance with a UFC contract, joining five other standout fighters from the night and cementing his spot among the organization’s newest prospects. But during the post-event press conference, ‘Wild Chanco’ turned attention to a more personal subject.

“No John Pork, Chanco. No John Pork,” he said firmly. “People get a little confused between John Pork and Chanco. John Pork is like a cartoon pig. I’ve said so many times, it’s not John Pork, it’s Chanco. So fans who support me understand I’m not John Pork. I don’t like it.”

His message was clear: he wants to be recognized for who he is, not a mispronounced nickname that undermines his accomplishments. The confusion originated when Islam Makhachev introduced Zhukov to Demetrious Johnson, saying, “This guy, Chanco, 2x World Professional Muay Thai Champion.”

A mishearing quickly changed “Chanco” into the viral moniker “John Pork,” a fictional, computer-generated character that is a half-pig, half-human hybrid and a popular virtual influencer and meme figure on social media platforms. While some fans found the new nickname amusing, Magomed Zaynukov insisted that it misrepresented him and his identity.

The term “Chanco” itself has a strong personal meaning. It refers to his birthplace, Chanko, in the Botlikhsky District of Dagestan, Russia. By reclaiming this part of his heritage, Magomed Zaynukov ensures that his nickname represents respect for his roots rather than a distorted joke that circulates online.

His fight against Caldas marks only the beginning of his UFC career, and ‘Wild Chanco’ wants the world to know that he is not just a fighter making his debut; he is defining his identity and demanding that it be recognized correctly from the start. In fact, he already has the full attention of Khabib Nurmagomedov and teammate Islam Makhachev.

Magomed Zaynukov FaceTimes with Khabib Nurmagomedov after dominant win

Magomed Zaynukov’s performance against Lucas Caldas didn’t just earn him a UFC contract, but it also drew quick notice from Khabib Nurmagomedov. Following the bout, Zaynukov received a FaceTime call from ‘The Eagle,’ a sign of approval and encouragement from the man who has guided the Dagestani camp through years of rigorous training.

It was an open admission that his striking and composure were being noticed at the highest levels of MMA. During the post-fight press conference, Zaynukov described the call, stating that Khabib Nurmagomedov was proud of his performance and excited to have him represent the Nurmagomedov team in the UFC.

“So Khabib called me. He was very happy. And the whole team is happy. And I’m going to show beautiful fighting here. And we’re happy that one more fighter will present in UFC. One more fighter from Nurmagomedov will present in UFC,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of this endorsement. It’s more than just a personal win; it’s a testament to the team’s training system and the growing legacy of Dagestani fighters in the sport.

For Zaynukov, this call is more than just motivation; it’s a roadmap. With his Muay Thai background and growing MMA experience, he understands that carrying the Nurmagomedov name comes with huge expectations. The connection solidifies his identity as a fighter who not only honors his heritage but also bears the weight of a legacy that demands precision, discipline, and continued dominance as he embarks on his UFC journey.