Magomed Ankalaev Roars Before UFC 313: ‘They Forced Me to Fight Pereira During Ramadan – I Will Prove This is Dana White’s Biggest Mistake!’

UFC 313 is shaping up to be one of the most controversial events of the year, with Magomed Ankalaev stepping into the octagon to challenge Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. However, the biggest talking point leading up to the fight isn’t just the high stakes—it’s the circumstances under which Ankalaev is being forced to compete. The Dagestani fighter has expressed his frustration over being scheduled to fight during Ramadan, a month of fasting and religious devotion observed by Muslims worldwide. Many believe that this decision puts him at a significant disadvantage, leading to speculation about whether the UFC is protecting Alex Pereira by making his toughest challenge fight under less-than-ideal conditions.

UFC 313: A Fight Scheduled at the Worst Possible Time for Ankalaev

In the first episode of UFC 313 Embedded, Ankalaev made it clear that he had little choice but to accept the fight against Alex Pereira. His words, “There was no other option,” suggest that rejecting the bout would have meant losing his spot as the next title challenger. For a fighter as disciplined and calculated as Ankalaev, accepting a fight in Ramadan was never part of the plan.

During Ramadan, Ankalaev must fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning no food or water throughout the day. This is incredibly taxing on any athlete, let alone one preparing for a UFC championship fight. Training at peak performance levels while fasting is a monumental challenge, and cutting weight becomes exponentially harder when dehydration and calorie deficits come into play.

Is the UFC Protecting Alex Pereira?

Many fans and analysts are raising concerns about whether this scheduling was intentional. Pereira, a dominant striker but relatively untested against elite wrestlers, has so far managed to avoid facing a high-caliber grappler like Ankalaev. The narrative that the UFC is protecting Pereira isn’t new, but forcing his toughest stylistic matchup to fight at a disadvantage only fuels the speculation.

Pereira, a former middleweight champion and kickboxing legend, has proven his striking prowess time and again. However, his most significant weakness has always been his grappling. Fighters like Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz have managed to expose Pereira’s lack of wrestling skills. Given Ankalaev’s elite grappling background, he is arguably Pereira’s most dangerous opponent yet.

The UFC’s history of building up marketable stars adds to the controversy. With Pereira now being one of the most popular figures in the sport, some believe the UFC would rather see him keep the belt than lose it to a grinding wrestler from Dagestan. By scheduling the fight during Ramadan, the UFC might be making it harder for Ankalaev to come in at full strength, thus giving Pereira a better chance to defend his title.

Ankalaev’s Strategy: Can He Overcome the Odds?

Despite these challenges, Magomed Ankalaev is not backing down. The Russian powerhouse has been vocal about his ability to adapt and fight through adversity. While the fasting period may take a toll on his preparation, Ankalaev has remained dedicated to his training camp and is focused on proving that he is the best light heavyweight in the world.

Ankalaev’s game plan is likely to revolve around his superior wrestling and ground control. If he can take Pereira down early, he can drain the Brazilian’s energy and neutralize his striking. The key for Ankalaev will be executing his takedowns efficiently while avoiding Pereira’s devastating power shots in the opening rounds.

On the other hand, Pereira will look to keep the fight standing at all costs. The former Glory Kickboxing champion is one of the most precise and powerful strikers in UFC history. If he can land his signature left hook or set up his kicks, Ankalaev could be in trouble.

A Fight with Massive Implications

The outcome of this fight will have huge implications for the UFC Light Heavyweight division. If Ankalaev wins, he not only proves that he can overcome adversity, but he also establishes himself as a dominant force in the division. It would also reignite debates about the UFC’s treatment of certain fighters and whether matchmaking is influenced by factors beyond competition.

If Pereira successfully defends his title, he cements his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC today. A victory over Ankalaev would silence critics who claim that he’s been protected from elite wrestlers. It would also set up future blockbuster fights, possibly including a superfight against Jon Jones or a rematch with Israel Adesanya.

Conclusion: Will UFC 313 Go Down as One of the Most Controversial Events Ever?

Regardless of the outcome, UFC 313 is set to be one of the most talked-about events in recent history. The debate over whether the UFC is protecting Alex Pereira will continue long after the fight, especially if Magomed Ankalaev struggles due to the challenges of fighting during Ramadan.

Ankalaev has made it clear that he will not use Ramadan as an excuse, but the reality remains that he is fighting at a disadvantage. If he can pull off the victory despite these odds, it will go down as one of the most impressive performances in UFC history.

No matter who walks out of the octagon with the belt, UFC 313 is guaranteed to be a fight for the ages. Fans will be watching closely to see if Ankalaev can overcome adversity or if Pereira will prove that he is the rightful king of the Light Heavyweight division.