Magomed Zaynukov, confident from training with elite MMA fighters, aims to defeat Shakhmar Sadygov at UAE Warriors 58, move closer to his UFC dream, and potentially fight for a championship if his teammate vacates the title.
Training with the elite of the MMA lightweight division gives Magomed Zaynukov plenty of confidence. He believes he’ll do just fine competing in the world’s biggest promotions.
Unbeaten in six professional bouts, Zaynukov is set to face Shakhmar Sadygov at UAE Warriors 58 this Saturday in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. “Wild Chanco” remains focused on handing Sadygov his first pro loss and moving closer to his dream of joining the UFC.
“My plan is to win this fight,” Zaynukov shared through a translator. He hopes to fight in the Contender Series this summer. Every fighter dreams of the UFC, right? Zaynukov’s no different.
Having trained in the U.S. with Islam Makhachev, he’s seen how well the UFC takes care of its fighters. “It’s the best promotion in the world,” he said. But for now, he’s all about getting the job done.
Makhachev, a UFC lightweight champion and top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, trains regularly with Zaynukov. But he’s not alone. “Wild Chanco” also works with champs like Gadzhi Rabadanov (PFL), Usman Nurmagomedov (Bellator), and Amru Magomedov (UAE Warriors).
Zaynukov has watched UFC fighters and sees nothing extraordinary in his division. Training with top-tier fighters like Makhachev boosts his confidence. He feels ready for the UFC right now.
Usman Nurmagomedov and Gadzhi Rabadanov are champions too, all in the lightweight division. With such sparring partners, Zaynukov believes he can skip straight to the UFC without a Contender Series stint.
Facing Sadygov, Zaynukov expects a stand-up battle. A former muay Thai champion, he’s scored five knockouts in six pro wins.
“I can’t tell you exactly how we’ll get it done,” Zaynukov admitted. Yet, he and his team have analyzed Sadygov’s fights, spotting potential weaknesses.
Although not aiming for a title shot yet, Zaynukov acknowledges teammate Magomedov as the current 155-pound class leader. If Magomedov vacates his belt for another promotion, Zaynukov is ready to step up.
“Everybody wants that shiny belt,” he confessed. Should Amru vacate it, Zaynukov would fight anyone for it—no hesitation there!