Magomed Zaynukov is reportedly set to return on UFC Fight Night 296 in Dallas, where he is expected to face Piero Guaylupo on January 16, 2027. It is the sort of booking that gives UFC Dallas an immediate talking point: two unbeaten lightweights, an early-year spotlight, and a card that opens the promotion's 2027 campaign.
The event will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, and it will be the UFC's seventh visit to the city. The last time the promotion staged an event in Dallas was UFC 277 in July 2022, so this return gives the market another major night after a lengthy wait.
Why Zaynukov’s return matters
Zaynukov has been building momentum, and the reported matchup arrives after he defeated Damian Rzepecki via unanimous decision in July 2026. He also went into November 2026 linked to a meeting with Manoel Sousa at UFC Qatar, although that fight did not materialize.
At 22 years old, and with a 9-0 record attached to his name, Zaynukov remains one of the more closely watched prospects in the lightweight division. A fight with Guaylupo would be another step up in visibility, even before the UFC formally confirms the pairing.
The story around the name
Zaynukov has also become a familiar figure to MMA fans for reasons beyond results. Islam Makhachev introduced him to the fanbase before his DWCS debut, and the nickname confusion that followed saw fans mishear “Chanko” as “John Pork.” Zaynukov has made clear he does not like being addressed that way, while Makhachev has urged supporters to use “Chanko” instead.
Zaynukov has said a fight has been set, but that the date had not been finalized yet, and added that he is currently in preparation after having surgery and only just getting back into the swing of things. He also said that once it is official, the UFC will announce it and then it will be clear who he is fighting.
What comes next
For now, the reported booking gives UFC Dallas a clear storyline: the promotion's first event of 2027, a return to a familiar Texas venue, and a chance to showcase another unbeaten lightweight on a card that should draw early attention. Once the UFC makes the announcement official, the focus will shift from the booking itself to whether Zaynukov can keep his momentum going against Guaylupo.
