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Zaynukov has gained substantial fame as Islam Makhachev’s teammate even before making his UFC debut. Makhachev recently suggested a future clash between Zaynukov and Fiziev, both being exciting strikers.
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Rafael Fiziev on potential fight against Islam Makhachev’s teammate: ‘It would be spectacular’
While Zaynukov is yet to make his UFC debut, Fiziev, a seasoned veteran, is not shutting down the idea of a potential matchup against “Wild Chanco.” The ranked lightweight remembers the Russian from their amateur days and acknowledges him as a good fighter.
Fiziev also recalls Zaynukov winning the muay thai world championship in Sweden. “I know him from my muay thai days; he is a very good fighter,” He told Red Corner MMA. “I even remember his amateur fights. We fought at the same world championships in Sweden. He’s really good; he became champion back then… Of course, he is Islam’s friend, his teammate, his brother. Of course, Islam tries to promote him so he could fight the likes of me. If they ever offer me that fight, I’m sure it would be spectacular. Two muay thai fighters in an MMA fight… This would be super cool.”
Zaynukov (8-0) earned his UFC contract on the Dana White’s Contender Series last year. Fiziev also revealed that he had helped Shakhmar Sadygov prepare for his fight against Zaynukov. Zaynukov defeated Sadygov via unanimous decision in his last fight before fighting on DWCS.
“Wild Chanco” is now set to make his UFC debut against fellow undefeated prospect Damian Rzepecki (10-0) at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. Meanwhile, Fiziev (14-5) is coming off a spinning back kick knockout win over Manuel Torres in front of a home crowd in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Rafael Fiziev says he would be open to a fight with Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov and believes it would be an exciting matchup.
“He’s Islam’s friend and teammate. He helps him in camp, so of course Islam is trying to promote him, so he could fight the likes of me,” Fiziev told Red… https://t.co/NzmgNX37pE pic.twitter.com/ONpVgySIuh
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 30, 2026
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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