Magomed Zaynukov to Make UFC Debut Against Damian Rzepecki on July 25

Magomed Zaynukov will make his UFC debut against undefeated Polish prospect Damian Rzepecki at UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 in Abu Dhabi. The event takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island and marks the promotion’s 23rd visit to the city. Zaynukov enters with an 8-0 professional record after earning his contract with a victory over Lucas Caldas on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2025.

The 31-year-old landed 248 significant strikes in that 15-minute bout, setting a record for most strikes landed in lightweight history on the series. He is primarily a striker and a two-time IFMA Muay Thai world champion. Rzepecki brings a 10-0 record into the matchup.

Both fighters will make their promotional debuts on the prelims, which stream on Paramount+. The main event pits Magomed Ankalaev against Khalil Rountree Jr. for light heavyweight top-contender status.

In other main-card bouts, Umar Nurmagomedov faces David Martinez in a bantamweight contest and Valter Walker meets Thomas Petersen in a heavyweight matchup. ” He has stated he dislikes the nickname because of his religious beliefs. He was also involved in a cageside brawl with Dillon Danis at UFC 322 in November 2025 at Madison Square Garden.

The incident prompted an NYPD investigation and led Dana White to ban Danis from future UFC events.