Many legendary MMA fighters observe Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting in Islam, which can impact their training and fight schedules. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Belal Muhammad, and Islam Makhachev normally avoid competing during this period due to fasting restrictions, which can make intense training and weight-cutting even more challenging. However, ahead of UFC 313, reports confirmed that #1 ranked 205fer Magomed Ankalaev remained committed to both his faith and his title ambitions, fasting from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan while preparing for his shot at dethroning Alex Pereira from the light heavyweight throne.

Despite the added difficulty, the Dagestani fighter assured fans that his training was completed before Ramadan began. “If we’re talking about the training or the training camp, the preparation, that was done before Ramadan,” Ankalaev told journalists through an interpreter at the UFC 313 media day. “So there were no issues with that.”

However, as the fight week coincided with Ramadan, Ankalaev had to break his fast during the final days leading up to weigh-ins, as hydration is crucial for making weight. And according to Team Khabib, this is completely permissible. Javier Mendez explained that Islam allows exceptions when fasting could become too physically taxing, particularly while traveling.

“If I am not mistaken, there’s an opportunity for him to break a couple of meals while he is out of town. If he is out of town, he is allowed to a few, I guess he wants to call them cheat meals. So I believe that there is something like that. And also it’s like sundown, so basically, he does not have to suffer too long. Just maybe one day or two days or so. I don’t know exactly what he’s doing but it’s only the last week that has affected him so this is already you know Ramadan started Friday or Saturday. So yeah I don’t think it’s that bad at all.”

Alex Pereira couldn’t resist poking fun at Magomed Ankalaev when he spotted the Dagestani’s name labeled on multiple meals at the UFC Performance Institute. With Ramadan in full swing, Pereira playfully reprimanded Ankalaev, suggesting he was using fasting as an “excuse.” However, instead of lashing out, Ankalaev remained composed, responding calmly—yet delivering a scathing jibe of his own in return.

Magomed Ankalaev trolls Alex Pereira ahead of UFC 313

During the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference, Alex Pereira addressed Magomed Ankalaev’s fasting during Ramadan, clarifying that he meant no disrespect to his faith. However, he didn’t shy away from calling out what he perceived as inconsistency.

“I think he’s using (Ramadan) as an excuse,” Pereira stated. “Today, I went to get my lunch boxes—the UFC lunch boxes—and there were two bags with several meals labeled with his name, all with set times. He’s not really fasting. He’s deceiving people so he can have an excuse later.”

Ankalaev, however, remained unfazed, responding with composure. “He’s worried about me and what I’m doing,” Ankalaev said. “He seems to be nervous if he’s paying that much attention. What can I say? I’ll tell you again—I had to break the fast a couple of times because I needed to make weight and be fully prepared.”

Despite the scrutiny, the Dagestani contender remains focused, stating that he feels tranquil during Ramadan and that it gives him a different mindset leading into the fight. Belal Muhammad, who fought and won against Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 during the same holy month, has already proven that competing while observing Ramadan is possible.

So, do you think Ankalaev can follow in Muhammad’s footsteps? Or will the clash of styles see Pereira remain on top? Share your thoughts in the comments below!