Alex Pereira Attack Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t fast but uses Ramadan as an excuse if he loses at UFC 313.

Alex Pereira Attacks Magomed Ankalaev: Accuses Him of Using Ramadan as an Excuse for UFC 313 Loss

A Heated Rivalry Ahead of UFC 313

The tension between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has reached new heights ahead of UFC 313, with Pereira taking verbal jabs at his opponent. The reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Pereira, has accused Ankalaev of potentially using Ramadan as an excuse if he loses their upcoming fight. This bold claim has ignited controversy within the MMA community, with fans and analysts debating the significance of religious obligations in fight preparations.

Pereira’s Verbal Attacks on Ankalaev

In a recent interview, Alex Pereira did not hold back when addressing his thoughts on Magomed Ankalaev’s fight preparations. He pointed out that despite Ramadan, a time when practicing Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk, Ankalaev has chosen to fight without making adjustments. Pereira suggested that if Ankalaev were to lose, he might attribute it to the challenges of fasting rather than acknowledging Pereira’s superior fighting skills.

“Look, I don’t buy excuses. If you’re going to fight, be prepared. If you think fasting will affect your performance, then don’t take the fight,” Pereira stated. “After the fight, I don’t want to hear anything about Ramadan or fasting. We step into the octagon to fight, and I’m coming to finish him.”

His comments have sparked debate, with some believing he is simply engaging in mental warfare, while others see it as disrespect toward Ankalaev’s religious beliefs.

Ankalaev’s Response to Pereira’s Accusations

Ankalaev, known for his composed demeanor, has largely brushed off Pereira’s remarks. However, he did respond by emphasizing his commitment to both his faith and his fighting career.

“I’ve trained during Ramadan before, and I will do it again. Ramadan is not an excuse—it is a blessing. I have prepared well, and I will be at my best on fight night,” Ankalaev said in response.

Despite Pereira’s verbal attacks, Ankalaev remains confident in his ability to secure a victory. His wrestling-heavy style presents a serious threat to Pereira, who has historically struggled against high-level grapplers.

The Significance of Ramadan in Combat Sports

Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims, involving daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. Fighters who observe Ramadan must carefully manage their training and diet to ensure they remain in peak physical condition. Notable Muslim UFC fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Belal Muhammad have competed successfully while fasting, demonstrating that it is possible to balance religious obligations with professional fighting.

However, every fighter is different. While some can adapt, others might struggle with the physical toll. Pereira’s comments suggest he believes Ankalaev is setting up an excuse in case of a loss, but history has shown that many fighters have performed at an elite level during Ramadan.

Breaking Down the Fight: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

Alex Pereira’s Strengths

• Elite striking: As a former Glory Kickboxing champion, Pereira boasts some of the best striking in UFC history.
• Knockout power: He possesses one-punch knockout ability, making him a constant threat.
• Precision and timing: Pereira is highly efficient with his striking, landing powerful shots with minimal effort.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Strengths

• World-class wrestling: Ankalaev has a dominant grappling game, which could expose Pereira’s ground weaknesses.
• Cardio and endurance: His conditioning allows him to go the distance, which could be crucial if the fight goes into deep waters.
• Counter-striking: While not as explosive as Pereira, Ankalaev is a skilled counter-striker with solid defensive abilities.

How the Fight Could Play Out

The matchup between Pereira and Ankalaev is an exciting contrast of styles. Pereira’s best path to victory is to keep the fight standing and land his signature powerful strikes. If he can dictate the pace and range, he has a strong chance of securing a knockout.

On the other hand, Ankalaev’s best strategy is to take Pereira to the ground. If he can impose his wrestling, he could control the fight and potentially secure a submission or dominant decision victory. The key question is whether he can withstand Pereira’s striking long enough to implement his game plan.

UFC Community Reacts to the Controversy

Pereira’s comments have led to mixed reactions from UFC fans and analysts. Some believe he is using classic mind games to get inside Ankalaev’s head, while others see his remarks as unnecessary and potentially disrespectful.

• MMA analyst Ariel Helwani stated, “Pereira is a master at psychological warfare, but I think this one might be a bit too far. Ankalaev is a professional and won’t let it get to him.”
• Former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov commented, “A true fighter does not need to speak badly about someone’s faith. Let them fight in the cage.”
• Fans on social media are divided, with some defending Pereira’s comments as part of the fight game, while others call for more respect toward Ankalaev’s beliefs.

A Potential Title Implication?

While Pereira is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Ankalaev presents a serious challenge. If Pereira wins, he will further solidify his place as one of the most dominant strikers in the sport. However, if Ankalaev pulls off the victory, it could shake up the division and set the stage for a potential rematch or new title challengers.

Dana White has hinted that the winner of this fight could go on to face Jiri Prochazka or Jamahal Hill, making UFC 313 a crucial event for the 205-pound division.

Final Thoughts

The war of words between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has added an extra layer of intrigue to their UFC 313 matchup. While Pereira’s accusations have stirred controversy, the fight itself remains the ultimate proving ground. Will Pereira’s striking be too much for Ankalaev, or will the Russian grappler silence his critics with a dominant performance?

Regardless of the outcome, UFC 313 is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with high stakes and intense rivalry making this bout one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.