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PFL Lightweight

Makkasharip Zaynukov VS Natan Schulte

Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.

Tale of the Tape

Makkasharip Zaynukov VS Natan Schulte
19-5-0 Record 27-6-0
— Age 34
178 cm Height 177 cm
unknown Stance unknown
37% Finish rate 52%
26% KO rate 15%
11% Sub rate 37%

Result Summary

Natan Schulte def. Makkasharip Zaynukov Decision (unanimous) · R3 5:00

Natan Schulte defeated Makkasharip Zaynukov by unanimous decision in a three-round lightweight contest at PFL Tampa: Cyborg vs. Vieira on August 22, 2026. All three judges scored the bout in Schulte's favor with cards reading 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. The fight was competitive throughout, with both men engaged in close exchanges across all three rounds in what PFL described as "what a battle." Schulte, a former PFL lightweight champion returning after a lengthy absence from competition, used his championship-level experience to outwork Zaynukov and control the pace when it mattered most.

Fight Overview

Two-time PFL Lightweight Champion Natan Schulte, a decorated submission hunter who won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 before a near-three-year layoff, tests the durability of his comeback against Makkasharip Zaynukov in a matchup that has real divisional implications. Schulte's championship pedigree and grappling depth make him one of the most technically dangerous men at 155 pounds, but Zaynukov's consistent activity during the champion's absence could give him a significant edge in sharpness and conditioning. A Schulte win validates his return; a Zaynukov win reshuffles the rankings.

Keys to Victory

Makkasharip Zaynukov

  1. Lean on his two-championship grappling pedigree to control positions and hunt submissions where his technical edge is most pronounced.
  2. Prove immediately that his conditioning has returned to championship levels and that the three-year layoff has not dented his endurance.
  3. Avoid prolonged striking exchanges with a fighter who has been sharper and more active during Schulte's time away from competition.

Natan Schulte

  1. Push a relentless high-output pace from the opening bell to expose any ring rust or conditioning gaps from Schulte's extended absence.
  2. Keep the fight standing and off the mat, where Schulte's championship-level submission game is at its most dangerous.
  3. Use footwork and lateral movement to prevent Schulte from establishing the clinch and takedown entries that feed his ground-control game.

Last 5 fights

Makkasharip Zaynukov

  1. W Amin Ayoub Decision · R3 5:00 · 7 FEB 2026
  2. W John Mitchell Decision · R3 5:00 · 3 OCT 2025
  3. W Takeshi Izumi Decision · R3 5:00 · 19 JUL 2025
  4. W Dedrek Sanders Decision · R3 5:00 · 19 OCT 2024
  5. W Ali Kabdulla Decision · R3 5:00 · 15 DEC 2023

Natan Schulte

  1. L Jakub Kaszuba Decision · R3 5:00 · 28 MAR 2026
  2. W Raush Manfio Decision · R3 5:00 · 23 JUN 2023
  3. W Stevie Ray Decision · R3 5:00 · 14 APR 2023
  4. W Jeremy Stephens Submission · R2 1:32 · 25 NOV 2022
  5. W Marcin Held Decision · R3 5:00 · 17 JUN 2022

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AI-generated This analysis was generated with AI and may contain errors.

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