Artur Zaynukov proved once again that the hype around Khabib’s camp is real. At PFL Africa, part of the PFL Champions Series 2 in Cape Town, Zaynukov dominated Takeshi Izumi with a wrestling-heavy game plan that earned him a clean unanimous decision. With Khabib Nurmagomedov coaching cage-side, the performance was a clear blueprint of Dagestani excellence.
Izumi came out pressing forward, trying to force exchanges early. But Zaynukov’s takedowns and smothering control quickly shut that down. Even when Izumi attempted reversals, Zaynukov maintained top pressure, winning every positional battle.
Round two saw Zaynukov open up more with striking before reversing an Izumi takedown and landing punishing ground-and-pound. He racked up more control time and briefly threatened back control — keeping judges firmly on his side.
Izumi gave one final push in round three, but Zaynukov’s wrestling sealed the outcome. One more takedown and top control locked in his second win in the PFL.
Zaynukov first impressed fans with his dominant debut against Dedrek Sanders at PFL Battle of the Giants. Now 2-0 in the league, the 26-year-old is one of the most promising fighters to come out of Khabib’s camp since the legend’s retirement.
For Izumi, the loss snaps his momentum after a big win over Spike Carlyle in RIZIN. He drops to 6-4 and will need to regroup after being outgrappled throughout the Zaynukov vs Izumi matchup.
With back-to-back dominant performances, Zaynukov is fast becoming a name to watch in the Professional Fighters League.
