UFC 313: Will Ankalaev’s Religious Fasting Lead to His Devastating Defeat Against Alex?

The Silent Factor That Could Cost Ankalaev Everything

In the high-stakes world of the UFC, fighters prepare relentlessly, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for dominance. But what if one of the most disciplined fighters in the game is unknowingly walking into his greatest weakness? As UFC 313 approaches, the question looms large—will Magomed Ankalaev’s religious fasting be the silent factor that leads to his defeat against Alex Pereira?

With a title shot possibly on the line, this fight is shaping up to be a defining moment for both men. But for Ankalaev, his devotion to religious fasting could prove to be a double-edged sword. Could his commitment to faith compromise his ability to perform at the highest level? And is Alex Pereira already preparing to exploit this potential vulnerability?

The Science of Fasting and Combat Sports: A Dangerous Combination?

Fasting, particularly during Ramadan, has been a long-debated topic in combat sports. Fighters who observe religious fasting often refrain from food and water during daylight hours, which can lead to significant physiological changes. While many athletes insist that their faith gives them mental strength, the scientific reality is that fasting affects the body’s ability to recover, hydrate, and maintain peak endurance.

How Fasting Affects Athletic Performance

Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, has trained through fasting before. However, with UFC 313 set to take place soon after Ramadan, experts question whether he’ll enter the Octagon in peak condition. The key concerns include:

Dehydration: Fasting limits fluid intake for extended periods, which can impair cardiovascular performance and increase the risk of injury.

Muscle Fatigue: Glycogen stores deplete faster, leading to slower recovery times and reduced power output.

Endurance Loss: Without sustained energy intake, maintaining high-intensity training becomes significantly more difficult.

Fighters rely on optimal hydration and nutrition to endure grueling training sessions and recover efficiently. The question is whether Ankalaev can maintain his stamina and strength through a fight that could push his body to the absolute limit.

Pereira’s Advantage: A Full Training Camp Without Restrictions

Against a fighter like Alex Pereira, who is known for his explosive power and precise striking, any dip in endurance or strength could spell disaster for Ankalaev. Pereira will enter the cage fully nourished, hydrated, and without the physiological toll of fasting. His ability to train at maximum intensity throughout camp gives him a potential edge. If Pereira can push the pace early and keep Ankalaev on the defensive, it could be a long and painful night for the Dagestani fighter.

Can Ankalaev Overcome His Greatest Challenge?

This isn’t the first time a Muslim fighter has faced questions about fasting during fight camp. Champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman have managed to balance faith and performance, but not without calculated adjustments. The biggest concern for Ankalaev at UFC 313 is whether his body can recover in time to deliver the performance of a lifetime.

The Mental Strength Factor

One of the most fascinating aspects of religious fasting is the level of mental discipline it requires. Many athletes who fast during Ramadan argue that the experience strengthens their willpower, sharpens their focus, and deepens their spiritual resilience. Fighters like Khabib have credited their faith as a key component of their success. Could Ankalaev tap into this same mental fortitude to push past the physical challenges he might face?

Historical Examples of Fighters Who Fasted During Training

Several fighters have competed at the highest level while observing Ramadan, but the results have been mixed. Some have thrived, drawing on their mental strength, while others have struggled with the physical toll. Here are a few notable examples:

Khabib Nurmagomedov – Successfully trained and fought while fasting, but adjusted his schedule to consume enough nutrients during the allowed hours.

Belal Muhammad – Has spoken openly about the challenges of training while fasting but has managed to stay competitive in the UFC.

Zabit Magomedsharipov – Another Dagestani fighter who has trained during Ramadan but has admitted to making modifications to ensure peak performance.

Given these precedents, Ankalaev has the potential to overcome the difficulties of fasting, but the challenge remains: will he be at his absolute best when he faces Alex Pereira?

The Battle of Styles: Can Ankalaev Withstand Pereira’s Power?

Stylistically, this fight is a fascinating clash. Ankalaev is a well-rounded fighter with elite striking and a strong grappling base. However, Pereira’s power is legendary, and his striking precision is among the best in the UFC. If Ankalaev enters the fight even slightly compromised due to the effects of fasting, it could make all the difference.

Here’s how the two match up:

Ankalaev’s Strengths: Technical striking, wrestling, cardio (if unaffected by fasting)

Pereira’s Strengths: Knockout power, aggressive pressure, elite kickboxing

If Pereira senses any weakness in Ankalaev, expect him to go for the finish early. His game plan will likely involve cutting off Ankalaev’s movement, forcing him into heavy exchanges, and testing his endurance from the opening bell.

Could Ankalaev Shock the World?

Despite the concerns surrounding Ankalaev’s religious fasting, he remains an elite competitor with the skills to win this fight. If he can successfully manage his recovery, hydrate effectively, and avoid Pereira’s devastating power shots, he has a legitimate path to victory.

Key factors for Ankalaev to pull off a win at UFC 313:

Smart Energy Management: Ankalaev must pace himself and avoid reckless exchanges early on.

Wrestling and Clinch Work: If he can control Pereira against the cage or take him to the ground, he neutralizes much of the Brazilian’s striking threat.

Mental Toughness: Tapping into his faith as a source of strength, rather than a potential hindrance, could help him push through adversity.

As the countdown to UFC 313 begins, fans and analysts alike are wondering—will Ankalaev’s religious fasting be his undoing? Or will he defy the odds and prove that faith and fighting can coexist at the highest level?

One thing is certain: when the cage door closes, the truth will be revealed.

What Do You Think?

Will Ankalaev overcome the challenges of fasting and secure a victory? Or is Alex Pereira destined to capitalize on his potential weakness? Let us know your thoughts below!