PFL Dubai MMA Match Preview: Amin Ayoub (26-5-0) vs. Makkasharip Zaynukov (18-4-0)
PFL Dubai marks the promotion’s 2026 season opener, featuring a lightweight prelim bout between French striking specialist Amin “Fierceness” Ayoub and Russian grappler Makkasharip “Artur” Zaynukov from Team Nurmagomedov. Ayoub, riding an eight-fight win streak with recent stoppages, aims to build on his successful PFL debut. Zaynukov, unbeaten in seven straight, brings Dagestani pressure and control, seeking to extend his 4-0 PFL record. This three-round clash adds intrigue to a card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis, showcasing international talent in the “Road to Dubai” series.
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (indoor arena with capacity around 17,000; a premier venue for MMA events in the region).
Start Time: Prelims at 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. local time in Dubai); Main Card at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. local). The Ayoub vs. Zaynukov fight is on the prelims, expected around 10:00-11:00 a.m. ET.
Broadcast: ESPN App (U.S.); Starzplay (MENA region).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter entering the bout. Ayoub has no recent setbacks, having competed injury-free in his 2025 PFL debut. Zaynukov also enters healthy, with his last notable issue (a minor arm injury in a 2023 win) long resolved. Both fighters confirmed full health during pre-fight media and medical checks.
Fighter Matchups
This three-round lightweight (155 lbs) prelim bout pits Ayoub’s technical striking and power against Zaynukov’s wrestling and ground control. Key elements:
Striking vs. Grappling: Ayoub lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute with 52% accuracy, favoring stand-up exchanges (recent TKOs via hooks and knees). Zaynukov averages 3.2 strikes per minute but thrives with takedowns (3.8 per 15 minutes, 70% success), often transitioning to ground-and-pound or decisions.
Physical Attributes: Ayoub (5’10”, 70″ reach, age 30) uses height and reach for distance management and counters. Zaynukov (5’10”, 72″ reach, age unknown but mid-20s) matches height but leverages explosiveness for clinch work and scrambles.
Experience and Style: Ayoub (31 pro fights) is a volume striker with improved takedown defense (68%), excelling in decisions (13 wins). Zaynukov (22 pro fights) relies on Dagestani wrestling, with recent decisions but early TKOs in his streak.
Intangibles: Ayoub’s power could lead to a finish if he stuffs takedowns; Zaynukov’s pressure might overwhelm on the ground. Neutral venue, but Zaynukov’s Team Khabib ties draw support.
The outcome depends on whether Ayoub keeps it standing or Zaynukov imposes his grappling.
Recent Form
Amin Ayoub (26-5): On an eight-fight win streak, showcasing striking power. Recent: TKO R3 vs. Keweny Lopes (Sept 2025), KO R1 vs. Pedro Souza (June 2025). Form: W-W-W-W-W (mix of TKOs and decisions, improved finishing).
Makkasharip Zaynukov (18-4): Seven-fight win streak, all in PFL or RCC. Recent: UD vs. John Mitchell (Oct 2025), UD vs. Takeshi Izumi (Jul 2025), UD vs. Dedrek Sanders (Oct 2024). Form: W-W-W-W-W (decisions lately, but early TKOs).
| Fighter | Pro Record | Finish Rate | Last 5 Fights | Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | Takedowns/15 Min | Age |
| Amin Ayoub | 26-5 | 58% (8 KO/TKO, 7 Subs) | W-TKO (Lopes), W-KO (Souza), W-UD (Three prior) | 4.5 | 1.2 | 30 |
| Makkasharip Zaynukov | 18-4 | 50% (5 KO/TKO, 4 Subs) | W-UD (Mitchell), W-UD (Izumi), W-UD (Sanders), W-TKO (Two prior) | 3.2 | 3.8 | ~27 |
Fight History
No prior head-to-head meetings; this is their first encounter. Ayoub is 4-1 vs. grapplers recently, often outstriking them to decisions. Zaynukov is 5-0 vs. strikers in his streak, using wrestling to control and finish. In similar stylistic matchups (striker vs. grappler) in PFL lightweight, favorites win 70% of the time, often by decision.
FIGHT ODDS
Amin Ayoub + 160
Makkasharip Zaynukov – 180
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 6, 2026
