Islam Makhachev’s teammate ‘John Pork’ announces his UFC return is off one day after it was reported

Fans won’t be seeing Magomed Zaynukov inside the Octagon again in 2026.

The man known as ‘John Pork’ and ‘Chanko’ is among the most highly touted prospects in the UFC, a status he gained by making an impressive debut this past July.

Islam Makhachev’s teammate secured a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025 before finally arriving in the promotion nine months later in Abu Dhabi, where Zaynukov scored a gruesome win over Damian Rzepecki.

Unfortunately, it will be quite some time until the Dagestani gets the chance to build on his momentum on MMA’s biggest stage.

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On Saturday, it was reported that Zaynukov would be returning at UFC Qatar this November.

‘Chanko’ was seemingly in line to make another trip to the Middle East, this time for a showdown against a peer who is also tipped for big things at lightweight.

The report claimed Zaynukov would be sharing the cage with 15-1 prospect Manoel ‘Manumito’ Santos, who has won both of his UFC fights so far.

After 24 hours, during which many fans expressed excitement about the potential matchup, ‘John Pork’ poured cold water on the rumors.

In a post on his Instagram Stories, Zaynukov revealed he has undergone surgery to repair an injury and will not be making an appearance at UFC Qatar.

He clarified that no contract had been signed for the bout and announced he will not be fighting again until 2027.

“I didn’t sign any contract,” Zaynukov wrote.

“I won’t be fighting this year due to surgery. I am currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovering,” he added.

That news means UFC Qatar still has only two bouts confirmed so far.

Former UFC flyweight title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi will fight Asu Almabaev on November 24 and Ilia Topuria’s brother, Aleksandre, is also set to return against Santiago Luna.