“Training camps are over. I’m ready for war. Saturday night, I’m going to change this guy’s face,” Magomed Ankalaev declared on his X handle, issuing a chilling warning to Alex Pereira ahead of their UFC 313 showdown. The Dagestani powerhouse is the only Muslim fighter on the UFC roster competing during Ramadan, and the first one to fight for a title during Ramadan—but fasting hasn’t dampened his confidence. Ankalaev has made it clear: he’s hunting for a finish from the opening bell. Yet, while Ankalaev promises violence, Alex Pereira offers a different, almost inevitable outcome.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Alex Pereira uploaded a video where he placed a massive $200,000 bet on his own victory, with the proceeds going to a noble cause if he lost. “Saturday, March 8th, in Las Vegas. I’m betting $200,000 to donate to children in need—children with cancer. Many people need this help. Since Ali and Ankalaev seem to be 100 percent confident that they will beat me, I think they will accept this challenge,” said Alex Pereira.

Doubling down on his statement, ‘Poatan’ emphasized that he is always conscious of everything he says in every interview, and with everyone he’s fought, he approaches it with the will to win. He wants to win—but he admits he doesn’t know if he will achieve victory or not. Still, with that mindset, he’s ready to bet $200,000. The Brazilian holds a career record of 12 victories and just 2 defeats, having finished each of his last four opponents, Pereira is certain that his victory is guaranteed.

In the end, ‘Poatan’ urged Ankalaev to sign a contract stating that if either of them loses, the other must deposit a specified amount of money to a verified hospital or charitable association. “Our managers can come together and make a contract to leave everything clear—winning or losing. Let’s say I lose, right? I will do the right thing. Ankalaev will look for something in his country. Over here, you have a legitimate hospital association that is in need.”

He further added, “I will go directly and deposit the money in their account, or whatever association, and the same thing on my end. If he loses, he will make a donation.”  It is important to note that $200,000 is a substantial amount when considering the base salaries of the fighters. Alex Pereira earns significantly more than Ankalaev. As of 2025, the Dagestani fighter earns a base salary of $200,000, and if he loses his bout against Pereira, he would have to forfeit his fight money. Well, despite the challenge, Ankalaev believes that he will turn the table against ‘Poatan.’

Magomed Ankalaev confronts Alex Pereira about fighting in Ramadan

While most Muslim fighters take a month off from training during Ramadan, the situation is quite the opposite for Magomed Ankalaev. Not only will he be fighting for the championship, but he will also be observing his religious duties. It took the Russian years to fight for the championship and he will not let it go for anything. While having a conversation at the UFC countdown, Ankalaev emphasized that Aler Pereira might be thinking he will get past him easily but will opposite will happen as he is looking to turn the tables.

“Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, a month of forgiveness,” Ankalaev stated in the UFC 313 Countdown. “I have never fought during Ramadan, I always refused fights. During this month, we Muslims are obligated to fast, and Alex knows that. He thinks he has some chance to beat me, but I think we will prove the opposite. This challenge makes us stronger, and the results will be in my favor.”

With confidence at his side, Magomed Ankalaev will embrace the Octagon with a new challenge as the Brazilian big shot will give his everything to defend his light-heavyweight gold. Will Magomed Ankalaev rise above the challenge or will it be another victory for Alex Pereira? State your thoughts in the comments below.