Top UFC Fighter Turns Down Spot on Biggest Fight Card Ever for Religious Reasons

UFC 200 is the preferred landing spot for nearly every fighter on the UFC roster.

On its name alone, the card could be one of the biggest MMA events ever. When one looks at how the UFC has been coupling title fights together, it could potentially break the UFC 100 pay-per-view buyrate record, set back in 2009 by Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir 2.

Being attached to that card could work wonders for a fighter's brand and bank account, which is why most are clamoring for a bout that night. One big-name fighter, however, reportedly turned down an offer to appear at UFC 200. That fighter? Khabib Nurmagomedov.

According to BloodyElbow.com's Karim Zidan, The Eagle took a pass on fighting at UFC 200 because it interferes with the traditions of Ramadan.

"I could not take part in the anniversary tournament," he said to the Russian outlet Riakchr.ru, per Zidan. "When the UFC asked me, I realized it was that June UFC 200 is between Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr...So the first fight in April, and after Ramadan, we will have the second fight."

Ramadan, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, celebrates the revelation of the Koran to Muhammad. During the 30-day stretch of time (which falls from June 6 to July 5 this year), Muslims are expected to fast from food and water from dawn until dusk.

Serious fasting is certainly not conducive to preparing for a major mixed martial arts fight. Nurmagomedov would need to have a proper diet in order to both train and make weight for a fight that could put him directly into title contention.

He still has plenty to take care of before Ramadan, though.

The Russian grappler is set to return from a nearly two-year-long hiatus at UFC on Fox 19 by facing fearsome finisher Tony Ferguson. Ferguson, who currently sits at No. 3 in the lightweight division, according to the Bleacher Report MMA Rankings, is an incredibly stiff test for Nurmagomedov.

A win over Ferguson could propel him directly into a title shot. Thankfully, he should be ready to go shortly after UFC 200.

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