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 will be one of the biggest MMA events of the year. But, with the right pieces in place, it could become the most-watched event in UFC history. Fighters and their managers know that there is a big opportunity there, and many are already clamoring to be attached to that card. 

There is one big-name fighter, however, that 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. When the UFC asked me, I realized...[that] UFC 200 is between Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. We will probably watch it on TV.”

The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and 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.

Obviously, a fighter wouldn't be able to do that while training for the most important fight of his life. Nurmagomedov would need to be able to hydrate and diet properly in order to be at his peak. Those Ramadan traditions simply wouldn't allow him to prepare for a fight at UFC 200, which is scheduled for July 9.

Of course, Nurmagomedov has a lot on his plate to worry about before Ramadan starts.

The Russian grappler is set to face fearsome finisher Tony Ferguson at UFC on Fox 19. Ferguson is an incredibly stiff test for Nurmagomedov, and currently sits at No. 3 in the lightweight division, according to the Bleacher Report MMA Rankings. 

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