Myktybek Orolbai did not compromise on his religious obligations as he prepared for a recent game.
Oral Bay (16-2) takes on veteran Chris Curtis (32-13) in a welterweight bout at UFC Vegas 114 last Saturday in Las Vegas. Oralbay dominated Curtis with 19 knockouts, the second-most in UFC history, to earn a unanimous decision victory.
In a preparation video before the game, Orolbay’s coach Uriah Faber revealed that the Kyrgyz native has been observing Ramadan throughout the training camp. Ramadan is the holy month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Faber said Aurore would practice once in the morning and once after sunset.
Discipline and Dedication
“Mikti Baker was kind of on autopilot,” Faber said. “He knows what he has to do, you don’t have to bother him, he works very hard. He’s been working smart during Ramadan. Been with Ramadan all month and had some training in the morning and evening. So we’re excited about this game. It’s a good game for him. And he has a lot of ways to win.”
Oralbay has a 5-1 record in the UFC, with his only loss coming via split decision in a bloody fight against Mateusz Rebecki. Oralbay has since bounced back with three straight wins.