Islam Makhachev Reveals Why Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov Became Key Part of His Fight Camps
Islam Makhachev has revealed why Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov became such an important part of his fight preparation.
Makhachev is known around the world for his grappling, control, pressure, and calm championship style. But behind that success is a training system built around tough rounds, trusted partners, and constant improvement.
According to Makhachev, Zaynukov gave him something he could not easily find anywhere else: extremely difficult stand-up rounds.
“I realized that nobody could give me such tough rounds standing up like he did,” Makhachev said. “So I needed to bring him to my camps all the time to feel comfortable on my feet.”
Makhachev Wanted to Improve His Striking Comfort
For years, fans mainly talked about Makhachev’s wrestling and submission game. That makes sense because his control on the ground is one of the strongest parts of his style.
But at the highest level of MMA, being great in one area is not enough.
Makhachev needed to feel comfortable in striking exchanges, especially against opponents who could defend takedowns, create space, and force him to fight on the feet. That is where Zaynukov became valuable.
Hard sparring rounds with someone who can push him standing helped Makhachev build more confidence, timing, and composure.
Chanko Gave Him Real Pressure
The most important part of Makhachev’s comment is that he did not say Zaynukov was just another training partner.
He said nobody gave him rounds like that.
That tells fans a lot about the level of work happening inside his camps. Makhachev wanted someone who could make him uncomfortable, challenge his reactions, and force him to sharpen his striking under real pressure.
Great fighters do not improve by only training with people they can dominate. They improve by bringing in partners who expose mistakes.
Zaynukov clearly became one of those partners for Makhachev.
Clinch Work Was Another Big Factor
Makhachev also said he learned a lot from Zaynukov in the clinch.
“In terms of clinching, I also learned a lot from him,” Makhachev said.
That is a key detail because the clinch is one of the most important areas in MMA. It connects striking and grappling. A fighter can use the clinch to land knees, control posture, break balance, set up takedowns, defend attacks, and wear opponents down.
For someone like Makhachev, improving the clinch makes his entire game more dangerous.
If he can strike comfortably, clinch effectively, and transition into grappling, opponents have fewer safe spaces.
This Shows Makhachev’s Growth Mindset
Makhachev’s comments also show why he has stayed at the top.
Even though he is already elite, he keeps looking for ways to improve. He does not rely only on what he does best. He studies the areas where opponents may try to test him and brings in the right people to help him grow.
That kind of mindset separates champions from contenders.
Makhachev understands that every opponent will come with a plan. Some will try to keep the fight standing. Some will try to avoid grappling exchanges. Some will attack in the clinch. To stay ahead, he needs training partners who can prepare him for all of it.
Final Thoughts
Islam Makhachev revealing why he brings Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov to his fight camps gives fans a deeper look into his preparation.
Zaynukov helped him get tougher rounds on the feet, improve his comfort in striking exchanges, and sharpen his clinch work. For Makhachev, that kind of training partner became too valuable to leave out.
Greatness is not built only on talent. It is built through hard rounds, trusted teammates, and constant adjustment.
And for Islam Makhachev, Chanko has clearly become one of the key figures behind that championship-level preparation.
