Khabib Nurmagomedov scolds Zaynukov over missed takedown in UFC debut

Khabib Nurmagomedov found fault with Magomed Zaynukov's UFC debut despite the undefeated lightweight earning a unanimous decision over Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Zaynukov battered Rzepecki with elbows across three rounds Saturday, handing the Polish fighter his first professional loss and moving to 9-0. But his coach and former lightweight champion zeroed in on one mistake immediately after the cage door opened, Zaynukov told reporters at the post-fight press conference.

Khabib focuses on missed takedown despite dominant win

"Khabib said that it was a great fight, it was an exciting fight, fun fight," Zaynukov said, per Sherdog. "'But you missed a takedown,' he said, 'And that's not OK.'" Islam Makhachev offered a warmer response, congratulating Zaynukov on the finish and calling it an exciting scrap, according to the fighter.

The 31-year-old Russian entered the Octagon with significant hype after earning his contract on Dana White's Contender Series last year. Rzepecki showed durability in absorbing brutal ground strikes but could not solve Zaynukov's pressure over fifteen minutes.

Zaynukov said both cornermen expected the fight to turn into a slugfest. His next opponent and fight date have not been announced.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Khabib Nurmagomedov criticizes Magomed Zaynukov despite UFC debut win