Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki
UFC Fight Night · July 25, 2026 · Etihad Arena
Magomed Zaynukov def. Damian Rzepecki — Decision (unanimous), R3 5:00
The battle of unbeaten debutants turned into a showcase. Zaynukov was in complete control for all fifteen minutes, putting his striking on display despite an early eye-poke interruption, and swept the scorecards 30-27 across the board. Rzepecki never got the fight into the scramble-heavy places where his submissions live. Exactly the grinding decision the pre-fight read called for, and Zaynukov leaves his debut still perfect.
The breakdown below was written before the fight.
Zaynukov should look to establish his jab-heavy pressure immediately and turn this into a track meet, because nobody at FEN level ever matched his output. Rzepecki cannot win a volume battle, so expect him to sit down on counters and hunt submissions off any exchange that hits the floor. The concern for the younger man is that Zaynukov trains submission defense daily with the best grapplers in the sport, which blunts his most reliable finishing route. The lean is Zaynukov by grinding decision, with Rzepecki's power and front-choke threat as the live underdog paths.
The Matchup
Two undefeated debutants with opposite blueprints: Zaynukov overwhelms opponents with historic striking volume, while Rzepecki hunts single fight-ending moments on the feet or the mat. Zaynukov is the older, more seasoned man against tougher competition, and his Eagles MMA camp should have him ready for anything; Rzepecki has youth, a slight reach edge, and nine finishes worth of danger. The Pole's best path is likely to change levels and test whether the Dagestani striker's takedown defense holds up under real grappling pressure. If it stays standing, Zaynukov's pace becomes a serious problem over fifteen minutes.
Tale of the Tape
| Magomed Zaynukov | Damian Rzepecki | |
|---|---|---|
| 8-0 | Record | 10-0 |
| 31 | Age | 24 |
| 5'10" | Height | 5'10" |
| 68" | Reach | 71" |
| Orthodox | Stance | Orthodox |
| Russia | Country | Poland |
| Eagles MMA | Team | Octopus Lodz |
The Numbers
Career UFC averages. Red bar = statistical edge.
Magomed Zaynukov
“Wild Chanco”
Magomed Zaynukov is an unbeaten Dagestani lightweight out of Eagles MMA, the famed camp built by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov that produced Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Unlike most of his teammates, he is a striker first — a Muay Thai-based pressure fighter who set a Contender Series record for significant strikes landed in his decision win over Lucas Caldas last October. Five of his eight wins came by knockout, and his first five pro victories were all first-round stoppages. After nearly a year of waiting since earning his contract, the 31-year-old finally makes his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi.
- WLucas Caldas · Decision (unanimous)Dana White's Contender Series 85 · October 7, 2025
- WShakhmar Sadygov · Decision (unanimous)UAE Warriors 58 · February 22, 2025
- WWilian Poles · Decision (unanimous)UAE Warriors 51 · July 27, 2024
Damian Rzepecki
“The Butcher”
Damian Rzepecki is a 24-year-old undefeated Polish prospect who arrives in the UFC as the reigning FEN lightweight champion. Nicknamed 'The Butcher,' he finished nine of his first ten opponents — four by knockout, five by submission — including a vicious body-shot KO in his last title defense. He stayed active this spring with a unanimous decision over veteran Corneliu Rotaru Lascar in Spain, the first fight of his career to reach the judges. Young, rangy, and dangerous everywhere, he takes a huge step up in competition for his octagon debut against a fellow unbeaten fighter.
- WCorneliu Rotaru Lascar · Decision (unanimous)WOW 29 · April 11, 2026
- WPatryk Dunski · KO (punch to the body)FEN 59 · June 21, 2025
- WMarcin Jablonski · KO (punch)FEN 57 · November 23, 2024