Magomed Ankalaev Breaks Ramadan Fast for UFC 313 Title Shot

Magomed Ankalaev, the 32-year-old light heavyweight contender, has made a difficult decision to modify his Ramadan fasting practices as he prepares for his championship bout against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 this Saturday. The event, set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has put Ankalaev in a challenging position, forcing him to balance his religious beliefs with the demands of professional fighting.

The Ramadan Dilemma

When the fight was announced in January, many questioned the timing, as it fell during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This sacred period requires Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset for 30 days, abstaining from food and drink as a means of practicing self-restraint. Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, began observing Ramadan on February 28th and had been strictly following the fasting rules.

🚨 Magomed Ankalaev has now confirmed that he is NOT fasting for Ramadan this fight week

“Yes, I have been following the fast to the letter, except this week, in which I will have to break the fast a few times. Because I need to make sure I drink water to have a successful… pic.twitter.com/kSPZI0nzsU

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 5, 2025

However, with the fight rapidly approaching and the need to manage his weight cut, Ankalaev has made the difficult decision to adjust his fasting routine. In an interview with Ag. Fight, Ankalaev explained through an interpreter, “I have been following the fast strictly except for this week, where I will have to break it a few times because I need to make sure I drink water to have a successful weight cut”. This compromise highlights the complex challenges faced by Muslim athletes competing at the highest levels of their sport during Ramadan.

Ankalaev’s Path to the Title

Magomed Ankalaev enters UFC 313 riding an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak, a run that has positioned him as one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division. His last defeat came in his UFC debut against Paul Craig in 2018, a loss that Ankalaev has since avenged convincingly. Over the past five years, Ankalaev has amassed 11 wins, with one draw and one no contest, showcasing his dominance in the octagon.

Magomed Ankalaev got some VICIOUS knockout wins in his resume 😳#UFC313 | Saturday, 10 PM ET | ESPN+ PPV 🍿 https://t.co/4b4r8hXceA pic.twitter.com/23GLTH7HNu

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 3, 2025

The Dagestani fighter’s journey to this title shot has not been without its challenges. In December 2022, Ankalaev faced Jan Blachowicz for the then-vacant light heavyweight championship at UFC 282. The bout ended in a controversial draw, denying Ankalaev the title he had worked so hard to earn. Now, with a second opportunity at UFC gold, Ankalaev is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.

Ankalaev’s decision to modify his Ramadan fasting during fight week demonstrates his commitment to his professional career while still honoring his faith. He emphasized that he will resume strict adherence to Ramadan practices after the fight, stating, “And after the fight, I will obviously also follow the rules of religion as it has to be”. This balanced approach showcases Ankalaev’s dedication to both his religious beliefs and his athletic pursuits.

As UFC 313 approaches, all eyes will be on Magomed Ankalaev as he attempts to dethrone Alex Pereira and claim the light heavyweight championship. The bout not only represents a clash of elite fighters but also highlights the personal sacrifices and difficult decisions athletes sometimes face in pursuit of their dreams.

Ankalaev’s journey serves as a testament to the complexities of balancing religious observance with the demands of professional sports. His thoughtful approach to this challenge may inspire other athletes facing similar dilemmas, demonstrating that it is possible to honor one’s faith while still pursuing athletic excellence at the highest level.

As fans eagerly await the showdown between Ankalaev and Pereira, the story of Ankalaev’s Ramadan fast adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup. Whether this decision will impact his performance remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Magomed Ankalaev will enter the octagon on Saturday night with unwavering determination, driven by both his faith and his quest for UFC gold.