Makkasharip Zaynukov scores decision win in tactical battle

Makkasharip Zaynukov is known for grinding wrestling, suffocating top control, and steady output during his fights. Born in Dagestan, Zaynukov has used the training he gets alongside the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Islam Makhachev to great success on the regional circuit, working his way up to his current 17-4 record. Zaynukov has won six straight, including a decision win over Dedrek Sanders at Battle of the Giants last year and a win over Takeshi Izumi at the first PFL Africa event.

John Mitchell for his 75-inch reach, as well as his boxing and endurance. A sparring partner to Ian Garry, Mitchell was a highly successful amateur fighter before racking up his current 10-2 pro record. Mitchell has won six of his last seven fights, most recently defeating Souhil Tairi at the PFL Champions Series event in January. Mitchell also competed in the 2023 PFL Europe lightweight season, making it to the finals before losing to Jakub Kaszuba.

Who will impress in this lightweight showcase battle?

Round 1

Low kick from Mitchell, but it makes him lose his footing. The two in the center. Zaynukov with a quick, stiff jab. Low kicks again from Mitchell. Right hand by Zaynukov. Left hand from Zaynukov. Low kick again from Mitchell. Mitchell misses a jab, but throws another leg kick. Slow pace to start as both men miss jabs. Overhand right from Zaynukov misses. Mitchell with another low kick. Both throw left hands, and Mitchell lands another leg kick. Body kick and a right hand by Zaynukov. Mitchell misses a right hand. Low kick from Mitchell. Right hand misses for Zaynukov. Left hand for Zaynukov. Right hand by Mitchell.

Mitchell trying to work the jab. Mitchell misses the left hook. Another jab from Zaynukov and a leg kick by Mitchell. Zaynukov level changes but whiffs the takedown. Body kick by Mitchell. Left hand by Zaynukov. Leg kick by Mitchell. Zaynukov flashes the right hand. Zaynukov misses the uppercut-hook combo. Left hands from both men miss. Mitchell misses a body shot, and Zaynukov lands a body kick. Leg kick from Mitchell. Zaynukov with a jump but he misses the right hand. Some low kicks before the bell.

Round 2

Mitchell tries to come forward. Low kick on the outside a couple of times from Mitchell. Mitchell with a couple of right hands. Low kick by Mitchell. Right hand by Zaynukov. And again. Low kick from Mitchell and a combination from Zaynukov. Zaynukov presses Mitchell to the fence. Mitchell tries to defend the takedown, and Zaynukov executes a body lock to get the back. Mitchell breaks out and blocks a high kick attempt from Zaynukov. Right hands and a low kick from Mitchell. Mitchell continues to target the leg. Mitchell lands a couple of lefts. Round kick by Mitchell. Small exchange. Zaynukov with a right hand.

Zaynukov misses a low kick and right overhand. Low kick by Mitchell. Body kick from Mitchell. One-two by Mitchell. Low kick by Mitchell. And again. Jab by Mitchell. Zaynukov shoots in but Mitchell shrugs off the takedown. Another exchange. Right hand to the body by Mitchell. Another low kick from Mitchell. Mitchell with another one. And another one. Both miss on punches with about a minute to go. Jab attack from Zaynukov. Body kick by Mitchell. Zaynukov presses forward, but Mitchell shrugs off another takedown attempt. Zaynukov with hooks and a leg kick. Both throw a jab before the bell.

Round 3

Uppercut by Zaynukov. Mitchell with a couple of jabs. Low kick and a couple of jabs from Mitchell. Low kick by Zaynukov. Jabs from Mitchell.  Mitchell trying for low kick-punch combinations. Front kick by Mitchell. Combination by Zaynukov. Zaynukov presses forward again, and Mitchell with strong takedown defense. We’re now at the fence, and Zaynukov has a leg. Mitchell escapes the body lock. Right hand by Mitchell. Both men work jabs. Mitchell with a low kick. Body kick by Mitchell. Low kick by Mitchell. Zaynukov landing punches. Both men land a body kick.

Zaynukov with another attempt, and this time he gets Mitchell down! Mitchell gets back to his feet, but Zaynukov still has a hold of his back. Mitchell quickly gets out of it. Zaynukov with a flying knee. Right hand by Mitchell. Zaynukov works the jab again. Both men miss power punches. Low kicks by Mitchell. Strong punch by Mitchell. Body kick by Mitchell. Mitchell dodges a combination. Another shoot in, and he scores the takedown. Mitchell tries to get his hips free as he gets back to his feet. Zaynukov tries to keep the grip and gets a quick mat return. Body kick on the separation by Zaynukov. Another exchange, and Zaynukov with another takedown. The fight ends with Zaynukov on the top position, in Mitchell’s guard.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Makkasharip Zaynukov defeats John Mitchell by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28x2) in a Lightweight Showcase Bout.