Magomed Ankalaev is finally slated to battle it out against Alex Pereira for the 205lbs gold at UFC 313. The Dagesani has been the clear title contender since early last year. But he had to see Pereira face a virtually off-the-couch Jamahal Hill, then fight Jiri Prochazka for the second time in seven months, and most egregiously, go on to fight the then #8 ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.

However, it seems the UFC did not have any other choice but to make Pereira-Ankalaev since there are no other clear contenders in the division at the moment. However, the choice of date has raised many eyebrows, including lightweight champ Islam Makhachev‘s, who explained why he thinks it is unfair on Ankalaev.

“They simply don’t give him [Ankalaev] the right of choice… But when the championship fight… Ankalaev was already offered, as far as I know. And almost all the dates were incorrect. Now, probably, some ultimatum has been set that the fight should be accepted,” Makhachev said in his native Russian in a recent press talk.

“I know that Ankalaev and his entire team are not supporters of fighting in Ramadan, like all Muslims. Because it is hard to keep the fast, but you have to keep the fast. And, I think, it was just set in front of the fact that either the fight must be accepted, or it will be dragged again, and Magomed decided to accept anyway,” he added.

Of course, Ankalaev, like Makhachev, hails from Dagestan and is a devout Muslim. The holy month of Ramadan this year starts on February 28, which means that Pereira-Ankalaev will take place ten days into it. This means that the Dagestani light heavyweight will have to make a tough choice. Either he doesn’t fast during the first ten days of Ramadan as his faith requires, or he does fast and his preparations suffer as a result.

And the 155lbs kingpin feels that perhaps this was a bit deliberate from the UFC. After all, the promotion has been remarkably hesitant to match up Ankalaev against Pereira. Perhaps because of their stylistic matchup. Moreover, Pereira has essentially been the UFC’s golden goose in the past year. And pitting him in an unfavorable matchup would mean doom for the promotion.

While Ankalaev is being given a pretty good chance against the Brazilian, Makhachev couldn’t help but sound a note of caution for his compatriot.

Islam Makhachev’s warning for Magomed Ankalaev ahead of UFC 313

Many suspect the reason Dana White and Co. were so hesitant in making Pereira-Ankalaev was because of the latter’s grappling skills. While the # ranked 205fer is primarily a striker, he does have a more than serviceable ground game. This is the one place where ‘Poatan’ has been not at his best in the past. This would make the champ primed for being taken down and mauled on the canvas by Ankalaev. However, Islam Makhachev is far more cautious in his prediction.

“I see Ankalaev as a favorite, but small, to be honest. Because Pereira is a very strong athlete. His amateur career is huge, he went through fire and water and fought in tough fights, the experience is colossal. I think Ankalaev shouldn’t underestimate his fight – everyone knows he’s a striker. But you should prepare well for this fight,” the lightweight champ added.

For his part, Magomed Ankalaev has said that he plans on striking with Pereira. This would probably be a bad idea. Anakalev is a good striker, but he’s not Alex Pereira good. On the other hand, it might just be the Dagestani bluffing ‘Poatan’. But if he isn’t, the Dagestani is in for a very long night on March 8. What do you think about Islam Makhachev’s take on Ankalaev having to fight Pereira during Ramadan?

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