The fight world has been occupied with a weird proposition leading into fight week. Case in point? 205lbs champ Alex Pereira challenging Magomed Ankalaev to a bet ahead of their UFC 313 title clash. Confident in his victory, the reigning champ posted a video on Instagram and issued the challenge: “Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winner’s charity of choice. Win or lose this will help those in need. It’s in your hands.” The Dagestani title challenger refused to outright follow up on the Brazilian’s challenge but suggested an alternate route of philanthropy behind the scenes. Moreover, many in the community pointed out the disperency between the payouts for Pereira and Ankalaev. A massive financial haymaker!

This challenge by ‘Poatan’ caught former double champ and analyst Daniel Cormier by surprise. During a recent conversation with Chael Sonnen, DC questioned the practicality of such a wager: “Alex Pereira just did the same thing to Magomed Ankalaev. He made an unrealistic bet that could never possibly happen. Its $200,000 charity sounds great, Magomed Ankalaev becomes champion, and his whole fight purse maybe $200,000, Chael. What do you make of this challenge by Pereira?”

‘The Bad Guy’ was equally stunned. He pointed out the participation clause as a champion in UFC contracts and how it benefits top draws like Pereira. And something that Ankalaev won’t be able to enjoy even if he wins this Saturday. Hence, a massive payday is out of the question. According to Sonnen: “The participation, there is a participation clause in your contract which is quite beautiful for somebody like Pereira. Who, I believe in the absence of McGregor, I think Pereira is our sport’s biggest draw. He and Sean O’Malley can battle that back and forth but the point is that after the fat cheque, he is going to get. It is something that you only get in defense of a championship.”

Chael Sonnen clarified that the bet doesn’t necessarily require a successful title defense—it simply requires the fighter to bring the belt into the fight. He elaborated: “You must be bringing the belt to the fight. I am only giving you some inside news because no! Ankalaev is not getting that. So what a flex. How is Ankalaev supposed to respond, by the way?”

Well, fight fans might remember something similar between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier before UFC 257. The Irishman promised to donate half a million dollars to Poirier’s charity ‘The Good Fight Foundation’ but after a vicious KO loss, the former double champ didn’t follow up on his initial promise. However, in this case, Ankalaev didn’t stay silent—he had something to say about Pereira’s challenge.

Magomed Ankalaev gives a scathing response to Alex Pereira’s challenge

The Dagestani fighter has refused to take part in Pereira’s high-stakes challenge. His reason? Betting is forbidden in Islam. Taking to X, Ankalaev explained: “As a Muslim, you know betting is forbidden in Islam.” He further elaborated that charitable giving is already a fundamental part of his faith, stating that he donates 2.5% of his wealth to charity, following one of the five pillars of Islam.

Ankalaev added: “Many kids around the world are in need, and we can do things after the fight, but we don’t have to publicize it. Your manager and my manager have a good relationship, and we can let them handle that. See you soon. Ramadan Mubarak.”

Beyond religious reasons, this bet isn’t a small gamble for Ankalaev. His base salary is reportedly around $200,000, meaning if he were to lose, he’d have to give up a significant portion of his paycheck. That raises an interesting question: Would Ankalaev reconsider if he wins? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!