Undefeated Zaynukov makes long-awaited UFC debut against Rzepecki in Abu Dhabi on July 25

Magomed ‘Wild Chanco’ Zaynukov will make his UFC debut against Polish lightweight Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Marcel Dorff was first to report the pairing.

Zaynukov arrives in the UFC with an 8-0 professional record and a level of pre-debut buzz that is rare for a fighter yet to set foot inside the Octagon. He first came to wider attention when Islam Makhachev introduced him to Demetrious Johnson during ‘Mighty Mouse’s’ visit to Dagestan, and the clip spread quickly across MMA social media. He then converted that curiosity into a UFC contract with an entertaining unanimous decision win on Dana White’s Contender Series this past October.

A striker operating out of a region synonymous with wrestling, Zaynukov has finished five of his eight professional victories — a combination that has fuelled considerable expectation around his promotional debut.

Rzepecki, however, represents a stern first test. The 24-year-old Pole carries a 10-0 record into the bout and has finished nine of those ten opponents, with five submissions and four knockouts. His finishing rate means Zaynukov’s hype will be tested immediately against someone equally unblemished and arguably more prolific in ending fights.

The lightweight clash adds a compelling prospect-versus-prospect dynamic to the UFC Abu Dhabi card, with both fighters entering on the back of undefeated records and significant finishing ability.