The highly anticipated light heavyweight title clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira at UFC 313 has taken on an extra layer of intrigue, with Ramadan playing a central role. But it’s not just about fasting; it’s about mind games, strategy, and even a hefty charity wager.

For Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, the timing of UFC 313 presented a unique challenge. The fight falls during Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn till sunset. While his training camp was completed before Ramadan began, fight week itself required adjustments.

“If we’re talking about the training or the training camp, the preparation, that was done before Ramadan,” Ankalaev explained. “So there was no issues with that. The only thing that we had to change is because the week of the fight is Ramadan, what I had to do was I had to break a couple of fasting sessions because I have to drink a lot of water in order for me to be able to make the weight. Other than that, everything is the same.”

Making weight is a brutal process, and for Ankalaev, staying hydrated was paramount, forcing him to break his fast on occasion.

Alex Pereira, never one to shy away from a verbal battle, has been vocal about Ankalaev’s food deliveries, seemingly trying to get under his opponent’s skin. But Ankalaev isn’t biting.

“He’s obviously really worried about me and what I’m doing,” Ankalaev said. “He seems to be nervous. He’s following all these things. Like what can I say? I’ll tell you again. I had to break the fast a couple of times because there’s something I need to do in order to make the weight and in order to be prepared. He seems to be way too concerned with that.”

Ankalaev even offered Pereira his UFC-provided food, suggesting Pereira’s focus on his diet is a sign of nervousness. Is Pereira’s trash talk a calculated strategy, or is he genuinely rattled?

Adding another layer to this already intense rivalry, Pereira proposed a $200,000 charity bet, with the loser donating to the winner’s chosen cause. 

Ankalaev Addresses Pereira's Gambling Comments and Concerns About Focus

Alex Pereira’s attempt to engage Magomed Ankalaev in a $200,000 charity bet hit a snag due to Ankalaev’s adherence to Islamic principles. Ankalaev pointed out that gambling is forbidden in Islam, and therefore, a conditional bet was unacceptable. 1 Instead, he offered to participate in a straight charitable donation without any wagering attached.  

Ankalaev believes Pereira’s focus on his religious practices might be a deflection. He also addressed Pereira’s travels and public appearances leading up to the fight, which had raised concerns about Pereira’s preparation. Ankalaev clarified that his comments weren’t meant as personal attacks, but rather as expressions of concern that Pereira might be spreading himself too thin.

“We simply stated that, as Muslims, we cannot participate in bets,” Ankalaev explained. “However, if he wishes to contribute to charity, we are willing to join him.”

Regarding Pereira’s pre-fight activities, Ankalaev said, “We weren’t trying to be disrespectful. We were just worried he was distracted by traveling and events instead of focusing on training. Whether he took it as an insult or not is his choice, but it won’t change the outcome of the fight.”