The feud between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is heating up ahead of their highly anticipated bout at UFC 313 this Saturday. With a staggering 200,000 euros on the line, it’s clear that neither fighter is holding back – and that includes engaging in some war of words. Ankalaev, who’s on the cusp of a career-defining opportunity to become the light heavyweight champion, is facing a unique challenge as he prepares for the fight during the holy month of Ramadan. However, Pereira has taken a shot at his opponent, questioning whether Ankalaev is truly observing the sacred Islamic ritual.
Ankalaev’s storied career has seen him rack up an impressive 20-1-1 record, with his lone loss coming in his UFC debut when he fell to Paul Craig via submission in the final second of their match. Since then, he’s gone on to accumulate 11 victories, a draw, and a ‘no contest,’ earning him a second shot at the championship title. Pereira, meanwhile, is gearing up for one of the toughest fights of his career, particularly given Ankalaev’s expertise in grappling. The Brazilian fighter has made no secret of his disdain for Ankalaev, accusing him of being dishonest.
As Ankalaev noted, “There are many keys to beating Pereira, but the easiest is wrestling.” This statement seems to contradict his earlier claims that he wouldn’t rely on wrestling against Pereira. Nevertheless, the fact that Ankalaev accepted the fight during Ramadan has been a challenge in itself. In a recent UFC Embedded episode, he was seen visiting the mosque just days before the fight, underscoring the importance of his faith. “We come to the mosque on Fridays. Our faith is the most important thing in our lives. It was difficult to accept the fight, but there was no other option. It was a great opportunity, and we took it,” Ankalaev explained.
Although Pereira has expressed his doubts about Ankalaev’s commitment to Ramadan, calling it an excuse, the Russian fighter has maintained his focus on the upcoming bout. The tension between the two fighters is palpable, with each day bringing more intense verbal sparring. If Pereira emerges victorious, it will solidify his position as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. On the other hand, if Ankalaev manages to pull off the win, it could be one of the most memorable moments in recent UFC history.
Pereira Accuses Ankalaev of Not Observing Ramadan
Pereira’s accusations against Ankalaev have taken the rivalry to a personal level. The Brazilian fighter claims that Ankalaev is not truly fasting during Ramadan, using it as an excuse instead. “He’s not fasting. He’s deceiving people,” Pereira said in an interview with AG Fight. Given the significance of religion in Ankalaev’s life, these words are likely to have struck a nerve. It remains to be seen how Ankalaev will respond to these accusations during the media day.
The rivalry between Pereira and Ankalaev has been simmering for a while, but the latest developments have raised the stakes. With each passing day, the tension between the two fighters is becoming increasingly palpable. The stage is set for an epic showdown at UFC 313, and fans around the world will be watching with bated breath to see who will emerge victorious. Will Pereira prove once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with, or will Ankalaev’s determination and skill pave the way for a historic win? Only time will tell.