The Octagon is set for a clash of styles and cultures as light heavyweight powerhouse Alex Pereira takes on a formidable Dagestani challenger at UFC 313—right in the heart of Ramadan. While many Muslim fighters prefer to avoid competing during the sacred month of fasting, ‘Russian Terror’ has chosen to embrace the challenge. After years of grinding his way up the rankings, the Dagestani contender isn’t about to delay his long-awaited title shot. Did Alex Pereira intentionally schedule his fight against Magomed Ankalaev during Ramadan?

“I wanna fight. I wanna fight in March. I wanna fight Ankalaev,” were the exact words of ‘Poatan’. For Magomed Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, the timing couldn’t be worse. When he steps into the Octagon on March 8, he’ll already be eight days into Ramadan. One of the biggest problems he will be facing is balancing the demands of fasting with an intense fight camp. The physical strain of limited nutrition and hydration, coupled with facing a fully rested and sharp Alex Pereira, has raised concerns about whether Ankalaev will be able to deliver when it matters the most. But the challenger isn’t quite fazed about it at all.

Instead, he’s balancing his spiritual commitments with the biggest fight of his career. Ankalaev is determined to seize his moment under the bright lights and is desperate to put on a show. However, the champion doesn’t quite think the same. According to Pereira, the 32-year-old isn’t quite fasting at all. MMA Orbit shared a recent claim which was made by Pereira via AG fight. He said, “I think he’s using (Ramadan) as an excuse. Today I went to get my lunch boxes, the UFC lunch boxes, and there were two bags with several lunch boxes with his name on them and all with a set time. He’s not doing that ( fasting). He’s deceiving people and telling them so he can have an excuse later.”

Ankalaev’s journey to a title shot has been anything but straightforward. Despite being widely regarded as the division’s top contender, he found himself repeatedly passed over while Pereira received back-to-back opportunities. And just when his long-awaited fight was finally set for the Vegas card, it happened to fall during the one month that could disrupt his preparation—Ramadan. So what does the 32-year-old feel about fighting this time of the year? Was Alex Pereira influential in forcing the UFC to set up the fight specifically during this time? Well ‘Russian Terror’ doesn’t quite think so.

Magomed Ankalaev feels it was the UFC’s decision to make him fight in March

The MMA community has long speculated that Dana White has favorites—fighters like ‘Poatan’. The Brazilian who always aligns with the UFC’s plans has saved multiple events last year. So was it enough to grant him a fight against Ankalaev in the month of March? Well, according to Ankalaev this might not be the case at all. In an interview with the Russian sports magazine Sport24RU, Ankalaev shared his honest opinion on the whole. Upon asking if the fight during the month of Ramadan is a problem, the 32-year-old had no hesitation in agreeing to it.

He said, “Of course this is a problem, but we had no other choice. The UFC 313 was being left without the main event.” The fighter feels more than a problem, it is an opportunity for him to get the fight he has been wanting for so long. Ankalaev then pointed out how Pereira had no say in deciding the time of his fight, rather it was the UFC who wanted to make this fight.

He further added, “I think its not his wish. It’s the UFC that decided this way. There was no one to fight for the belt in my opinion. I don’t know”. UFC 313 promises some fireworks with the light heavyweight championship on the line. However, one of the things to look for is whether the fasting will have any effect on Ankalaev or not. Who do you think will win between the two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.