Dana White recently gave his thoughts on Muslim fighters including Magomed Ankalaev fighting in the month of Ramadan. As per the UFC head honcho the fighters have to be ready to take the opportunities and make the most of it.
White answered multiple questions about the upcoming UFC fights in a Power Slap press conference. One of the reporters questioned White about Magomed Ankalaev going head to head in the month of Ramadan. The video was posted on “themaclifeofficial“.
Dana White while answering the question mentioned that there are many Muslim fighters fighting in the UFC. As per the UFC President, the fighters have to be ready to fight anytime. The Company has a schedule and have to prepare fight cards.
“Why didn’t I spare him? Well, listen. If you have so many Muslim fighters and none of them will fight during a block of [time], what happens when they’re champions? We’ve got a schedule. If you want the opportunity, you’ve got to fight.”
Ramadan is considered as the holiest and ninth month of the islamic lunar calendar. In which, Muslim people abstain from food and many other things. They have to perform meditations and have to do fasting known as Sawn. People can have a pre-dawn meal, called “suhoor” and a post-dawn meal, called “iftar”.
It’s a month of prayer and fasting for all muslims. For the muslim UFC fighters it might be diffiicult train like normal days as their daily routine changes. It seems to be an issue for some but many muslim fighters consider it as an opportunity. They use it as an opportunity to focus on physical as well as mental discipline.
As UFC’s schedule need to be planned well in advance, so fighters can’t miss this opportunity. Ultimately, they have to balance their religious practice as well as professional front.
Israel Adesanya chooses Alex Pereira over Magomed Ankalaev in their LHW title fight
Just before UFC Fight Night 250, Israel Adesanya during a press conference was questioned about UFC 313 main event. Adesanya without any hesitation picked Pereira to beat the Dagestani.
He was quoted as saying:
“Poatan Chama”
The answer did not come as a surprise as the two were seen praising each other and their rivalry. The two arch rivals mentioned multiple times how they respect each other.
Adesanya backed Pereira in his recent interview and mentioned they both respect each other.
“Alex Pereira and I spoke in DM’s, we appreciate each other,” Adesanya said.
Pereira also shows gratitude towards Adesanya in his interview with Ariel Helwani. Fighting with Adesanya made him a better fighter in the UFC.
“Maybe without [Israel Adesanya] I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Pereira said. “I wouldn’t have got into the UFC with the good contract that I did due to the history we have.”
The match between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on eight March. Pereira will defend the title for the fourth time, whereas Ankalaev will try to continue his unbeaten 13 matches streak.
In the month of Ramadan, it might seem to be an unfair fight for Ankalaev fans but every UFC fighter is always ready for any challenges. It will be a great fight as everyone will keep an eye on this match.
REDDAVENI SAISNEHA 
Ashvinkumar Patil