MMA Match Preview: Makkasharip Zaynukov (17‑4) vs. John Mitchell (10‑2)

Venue & Event Details

Location: Coca‑Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Time: Preliminary Card, 11:00 a.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local)

Promotion: PFL Champions Series 2

Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)

Injury Report

Makkasharip Zaynukov: No reported injuries; enters healthy after a full camp at Eagles MMA in Dagestan.

John Mitchell: Cleared to fight; no major injuries reported.

Fighter Matchups

Makkasharip Zaynukov (Dagestan, 17‑4)

Style: Dagestani wrestling base with suffocating top control.

Strengths: Chain wrestling, positional dominance, steady striking output.

Recent Form: Six straight wins, including victories over Dedrek Sanders and Takeshi Izumi.

Keys to Win: Pressure wrestling, grind Mitchell against the cage, avoid extended boxing exchanges.

John Mitchell (Ireland, 10‑2)

Style: Technical boxer with long reach (75”).

Strengths: Jab, combinations, endurance; sparring partner of Ian Garry.

Recent Form: Won six of last seven, including a decision over Souhil Tairi at PFL Champions Series in January. Finalist in 2023 PFL Europe lightweight season.

Keys to Win: Keep fight standing, use reach and jab to frustrate Zaynukov, defend takedowns.

Fight History

First Meeting: This is their first professional bout.

Career Notes: Zaynukov has been training alongside Khabib and Usman Nurmagomedov, while Mitchell has built his career in Cage Warriors and PFL Europe.

Betting Trends

Zaynukov: 5 of last 6 wins by decision; grinding style tends to go long.

Mitchell: 4 of last 6 wins by decision; durable, rarely finished.

Market Sentiment: 93% of Tapology community picks favor Zaynukov.

FIGHT ODDS

Makkasharip Zaynukov                 + 240

John Mitchell Jarrah                       – 300

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, October 2, 2025