As the lights dimmed and the tension surged through the T-Mobile Arena, no eyes were on Mogomed Ankalaev, rather all eyes were on his opponent Alex Pereira, the crowd favourite and one of the most beloved fighters in Las Vegas.
The arena buzzed with excitement, many already expecting another dominant performance from Pereira.
But then, Magomed Ankalaev, the largely unknown Muslim Russian fighter, stepped into the octagon, his calm demeanour betraying the storm that was about to unfold.
Ankalaev shocked the world.
With a flawless performance, Ankalaev won the title and became the new light heavyweight champion.
Check out the fight highlights below – be sure to watch until the end to see them announce him as the winner!
Being both Muslim and Russian can be a social disadvantage, especially in the West, yet Ankalaev is still earning respect.
This post is written part of the Muslims to Follow series. More from TKO – See WWE superstar Sami Zayn
Who is Magomed Ankalaev?
Magomed Ankalaev is a Muslim professional mixed martial artist (MMA) from Dagestan, Russia, who competes in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division
Unlike WWE, UFC is very much real.
Known for his powerful striking, strong wrestling skills, and tactical fighting style, Ankalaev has risen through the ranks to become a UFC champion.
His recent victory solidified his position as one of the top fighters in his division.
However, beyond his fighting ability, Ankalaev is also recognized for his dedication to Islam and his representation of Muslim values in the sport.
Buy on Amazon | Boxing gloves signed by Khabib Nurmagomedov, another Muslim UFC fighter
How Magomed Ankalaev Represents Islam
Ankalaev is not just a fighter – he’s a proud Muslim who carries his faith with him in and out of competition.
From his disciplined training to his respectful demeanour, he reflects strong Islamic values in the UFC. His actions inside and outside the octagon show his commitment to his faith, and he follows in the footsteps of other Dagestani fighters who openly embrace Islam.
1. Representing Dagestan’s Muslim Heritage
Dagestan has a rich Islamic culture, and many of its UFC champions, like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, openly practice their faith.
Ankalaev continues this legacy by embracing his Muslim identity while competing at the highest level. The region is known for producing disciplined fighters who uphold Islamic principles, and Ankalaev has remained true to these values.
2. Observance of Ramadan During Fight Preparations
Ankalaev, a practicing Muslim, usually observes Ramadan during his training.
The Ramadan 2025 period coincided with his preparation for a title fight against Alex Pereira. Despite the challenges of fasting, Ankalaev maintained most of his religious duties while adjusting his training regimen. (Source)
However, there were a couple occasions where he had to break his fast.
In preparation for his fight during Ramadan, Ankalaev had to make adjustments to his fasting schedule to ensure proper hydration and energy levels for training and weight cutting. He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining the fast during such an intense period but made exceptions to fulfil his professional commitments. (Source)
His opponent picked up on this saying that his fasting is an excuse is he looses… but he didn’t loose.
See Ankalaev’s response:
4. His Lifestyle Reflects Islamic Values
Ankalaev lives a clean and disciplined life, avoiding alcohol, partying, and other distractions that could take him away from his goals – values that align with Islamic teachings on self-control.
Many successful Muslim fighters follow a similar path, staying true to their faith while excelling in their sport. His commitment to training and self-discipline is a testament to the strength of his beliefs.
Like many Muslim athletes, Ankalaev credits his faith with helping him stay disciplined, focused, and grateful in both victory and defeat.
Islam teaches patience, perseverance, and self-control – qualities that are essential for a successful fighter.
8. Where to Follow Magomed Ankalaev
For those who want to keep up with Magomed Ankalaev, you can follow him on:
- Instagram: @ankalaev_magomed
- Twitter/X: @AnkalaevM
- UFC Fighter Profile: Stats
His social media often features training updates, fight announcements, and glimpses into his personal life, giving fans insight into his journey as a Muslim fighter in the UFC.
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