Magomed Zaynukov refuses Danis grappling match after brawl

Magomed Zaynukov has shut the door on any future matchup with Dillon Danis following their brawl at Madison Square Garden earlier this year.

The Russian lightweight, who beat Damian Rzepecki across three rounds at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 24, told Red Corner MMA that he turned down a grappling match offer between himself and Danis. "I didn't react at all because I'm not interested in him," Zaynukov said, per MMA Mania. "I wouldn't even step on the same mat with him, let alone wrestle with him. He's such a dirty human being."

Lightweight title picture complicates Zaynukov's path forward

The unranked Muay Thai specialist showed off his striking in his promotional debut but faces hurdles beyond the cage. A potential visa issue stemming from the Danis altercation could prevent him from fighting in the United States. More pressing is the queue at lightweight within Team Nurmagomedov, where Usman Nurmagomedov has reportedly been promised the next title shot once he finishes his PFL contract next week.

Zaynukov said his camp has not yet determined how to navigate the logjam of contenders training under Khabib Nurmagomedov. "If needed, our elders will set things up in terms of who will fight who," he said. The team has previously blocked Islam Makhachev from pursuing the welterweight belt while teammate Belal Muhammad holds the strap.

As for the trash talk that preceded the Danis incident, Zaynukov suggested opponents target Dagestan for attention. "They must want something, but I don't know what. Maybe because we have the strongest school, and the best fighters are from our gym." He is scheduled to return at UFC 340 in October against an opponent yet to be named.

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• MMA Mania — Magomed Zaynukov is done talking about ‘dirty human being’ Dillon Danis