Magomed Zaynukov Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Surprising Post-Fight Message

A memorable UFC debut usually earns a fighter nothing but pats on the back. Inside Khabib Nurmagomedov's camp, even the best nights come with lessons.

Magomed Zaynukov learned that lesson moments after picking up the biggest win of his career. The undefeated Dagestani prospect dazzled fans with an emphatic performance at UFC Abu Dhabi, only to receive a phone call from “The Eagle” that focused less on what he did right and more on the one thing he got wrong. 

Khabib’s First Reaction Summed Up Standards Inside Team Nurmagomedov

Zaynukov couldn't have had a better introduction to the UFC. Making his long-awaited Octagon debut against fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi, the Russian lightweight looked gung-ho from the opening bell. 

He controlled the pace, mixed up his offense, and repeatedly punished his Polish counterpart with vicious elbows that left Rzepecki bloodied by the final horn. By the end of three rounds, Zaynukov had swept every round on the judges' scorecards, handing Rzepecki the first loss of his professional career while extending his own unbeaten record.

It was exactly the kind of statement many expected from a fighter developed inside the famed Dagestani system. Furthermore, the 31-year-old had earned praise from his UFC peers following his striking masterclass last weekend. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov Called Zaynukov Right Away

The first call Zaynukov received after leaving the cage wasn't filled with endless compliments. Speaking during his post-fight press conference, the undefeated lightweight revealed that Nurmagomedov contacted him almost immediately after the bout.

"We spoke immediately after I got out of the cage," Zaynukov explained with a grin. The UFC Hall of Famer was pleased with what he had seen, but only to a point. "Khabib said, 'It was a great, exciting, and fun fight, but you missed a takedown, and that's not okay.'"

Even after a near-flawless performance, there was still room for correction. For Nurmagomedov, the missed takedown mattered just as much as the dozens of successful moments that came before it.

“Chanko” also revealed that reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev reached out after the fight, though his message carried a different tone, adding, "Islam also just said congratulations, and that it was a fun, exciting fight. They kind of expected that this was going to be that type of fight, a fun, exciting fight."

Long before his debut, the 31-year-old had become a recognizable figure online thanks to the viral "John Pork" nickname. But inside the cage, the attention quickly shifted from internet memes to genuine fighting ability.

Nurmagomedov Shifts Focus From Octagon toNext Stops in US, Thailand

While Zaynukov basks in his glory, awaiting the next chapter of his UFC career, Nurmagomedov is already looking ahead to a busy schedule outside of competition. The former lightweight champion recently announced on social media that he will be heading to New Jersey on Aug, 8 to meet fans. Sharing the update on social media, Nurmagomedov wrote:

"See you soon guys." 

The visit comes just days before UFC 330, where Islam Makhachev is expected to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry. Nurmagomedov, as fans know, has remained a constant presence in Makhachev's corner throughout training camp, making another appearance on fight week all but certain.

Beyond the United States, the undefeated legend is also continuing to expand his influence internationally. In another recent post, the 37-year-old announced a partnership with Sun Hills Development while promoting Khabib Gym in Phuket, Thailand.

"Proud to be a partner of Sun Hills Development," he wrote. "Come to Phuket, train with us, and experience the spirit and discipline of Dagestan at Khabib Gym."

The message reflected a mission that has become increasingly important since his retirement: passing on the values that shaped one of MMA's most dominant teams.