Ahead of UFC 322, Magomed Zaynukov has found himself thrust into unexpected fame, all due to a misinterpretation of his nickname, ‘Chanko,’ which became humorously rendered as “John Pork” in a video featuring Demetrious Johnson. What started as lighthearted banter and memes has taken a turn that is becoming less favorable for Zaynukov.
During the pre-fight press conference, fans enthusiastically chanted the viral nickname. This prompted Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion and Zaynukov’s teammate, to step in, stating, “He doesn’t like ‘John Pork’. He is the guy who has helped me with all my camps recently, so he is going to be a great lightweight.” Despite these appeals, Zaynukov’s social media accounts have been inundated with comments referencing the meme, leading Makhachev to reveal that his teammate may disable comments altogether due to the incessant spam.
In a recent interview, Makhachev acknowledged the origins of the nickname, stating, “Brother, I say Chanko. This is wrong. His native village name is Chanko. John Pork is the wrong thing, guys. Don’t tell him, you make him upset.” Although he currently allows comments on his Instagram account, it remains to be seen how long Zaynukov can tolerate the situation if it continues to escalate.
Despite the humor surrounding the nickname, Zaynukov has expressed frustration multiple times, confirming at the Dana White’s Contender Series post-fight press conference, “No John Pork. Chanco. People get a little confused between ‘John Pork’ and ‘Chanco.’ I’ve said so many times, it’s not ‘John Pork,’ it’s ‘Chanco.’ If possible, please don’t call me that. I don’t like it.” With an impressive 8-0 record and a recent unanimous decision victory over Lucas Caldas, Zaynukov aims to make a name for himself in the UFC, free from the association with a cartoon character.
The term “John Pork” refers to an internet meme that blends absurdity with dark humor, often portrayed as a pig-human hybrid figure. This nickname connection is something Zaynukov wishes to avoid, preferring instead to be recognized by his heritage-driven nickname, ‘Chanko.’ However, despite his repeated requests to drop the nickname, the trend has only gained momentum in meme culture. As fans continue to share their humor, it raises the question of how far the line between comedy and respect can be pushed in the world of sports. Zaynukov’s situation shows that fame, even when unintended, can come with its own set of challenges.