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Exercising during Ramadan: Tragic MMA fighter’s death highlights dangers of extreme workouts

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Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and fasting, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. However, with long hours of fasting and changes in meal timing, it’s crucial to adjust workouts to suit your body’s needs. Exercising too intensely, especially while fasting, can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, dizziness, and even rare but potentially fatal conditions.

The tragic case of Australian MMA fighter Jake Sendler serves as a reminder of the dangers of overexertion. The 21-year-old collapsed in the ring during a match in Melbourne on March 3 and succumbed to complications ten days later. His death has been linked to excessive physical stress. 

It was later revealed that Sendler was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle fibres break down due to extreme overexertion, an underlying health issue, or physical trauma.

While this extreme case highlights the risks of pushing the body too far, it’s especially important during Ramadan to strike a balance between staying fit and prioritising health. Choosing low-intensity workouts, staying hydrated after Iftar, and listening to your body can help prevent dangerous consequences while keeping you active during the holy month.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis, often called “rhabdo,” occurs when extreme physical exertion causes muscle tissue to break down rapidly, releasing harmful toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure, heart complications, and even death. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark-coloured urine, and extreme fatigue — many of which can be mistaken for common workout soreness or dehydration.

In Sendler’s case, he initially dismissed his symptoms, believing them to be part of the usual strains of his intense training regimen. However, his condition worsened, requiring multiple surgeries and blood transfusions before he ultimately passed away on March 13.

Risks of Extreme Training

Dehydration and excessive exertion are significant risk factors for rhabdomyolysis. When the body is pushed beyond its limits, muscles become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell breakdown. In severe cases, it triggers widespread organ failure.

Recognise Warning Signs

Many fitness enthusiasts unknowingly put themselves at risk of rhabdomyolysis. Overexertion, particularly in high-intensity training programs such as CrossFit, ultra-marathons, and MMA, can push muscles to the point of collapse. The key to prevention is awareness and early intervention.

Critical warning signs to watch for:

  • Unusual muscle pain or swelling that persists beyond typical post-workout soreness.
  • Dark, tea-coloured urine — a telltale sign that muscle proteins are overwhelming the kidneys.
  • Extreme fatigue and confusion that extend beyond normal exhaustion.
  • Decreased or no urination, indicating possible kidney failure.

If any of these symptoms occur after intense exercise, immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment often involves intravenous fluids to flush toxins from the system and, in severe cases, dialysis or surgical intervention.

Dangers of dropping weight quickly

Sendler’s death has also reignited discussions about the dangers of extreme weight-cutting in sports. While dropping weight quickly before a bout fr fighters is a common practice, medical experts warn that it can have deadly consequences, including dehydration, heat stroke, and rhabdomyolysis.

Striking a Balance in Fitness

Exercise is vital for good health, but overdoing it can be dangerous. Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and trainers must recognise that more is not always better. Proper hydration, adequate recovery time, and listening to one’s body are essential to preventing overtraining injuries and conditions like rhabdomyolysis.

(Source: Agencies)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dubai’s flamingo paradise closes for major Dh650-million makeover

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s hidden gems and a haven for birdwatchers, has temporarily closed to make way for a stunning new upgrade, part of a Dh650-million development project set to transform the wetlands into a world-class eco-destination.

More Water, More Wildlife

The first phase of the redevelopment is already underway, with completion expected by the end of next year. It includes a massive 144% expansion of water bodies, boosting their total size to 74 hectares.

Alongside this, 10 hectares of new mudflats will be added, essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, supporting marine biodiversity and rare plant life.

Nature Gets a Boost

Phase two will focus on enhancing native vegetation and creating improved wildlife habitats to attract even more bird species. Visitor facilities are also set for an upgrade, giving nature lovers a better, more immersive experience.

The sanctuary is already known for its iconic pink flamingos in winter, as well as osprey, grey herons, and black-winged stilts. The reserve is fully fenced, offering safety for wildlife and serenity for guests.

Eco-Friendly Vision

Once complete, the new sanctuary is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60 per cent, giving a powerful green boost to Dubai’s environment.

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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

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Bangladeshi electrician wins Dh25 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Draw

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A Bangladeshi expat living in the UAE has won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s latest draw held on Thursday, July 3.

Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, took home the life-changing amount after his ticket 061080 was announced as the winning number in Big Ticket Draw No. 276.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Balal shared: “I’ve been buying tickets every single month for the past 12 years, always dreaming I’d win. Today, that dream came true.”

Balal, who purchased the ticket with five friends, plans to split the prize with them and build a home for his family in Bangladesh.

Indian Family Wins Nissan Patrol

In the same draw, an Indian family from Kerala won a Nissan Patrol. Geethammal and her son, now based in Dubai, were overjoyed as the ticket, purchased under her husband’s name, secured them the luxury car. Her husband has been living in the UAE for 30 years and was the first in the family

What’s Next in Big Ticket’s July Promotion?

  • Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs in the August 3 live draw
  • Weekly e-draws every Thursday in July, offering Dh50,000 to four winners
  • Buy 2, Get 1/2/3 Free ticket bundles (online & at airport counters)
  • Luxury car draws: Range Rover Velar (Aug 3) and BMW M440i (Sep 3)
  • Big Win Contest: Buy 2+ tickets between July 1–24 to enter and win between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000 at the live draw

Tickets can be purchased at www.bigticket.ae, Zayed International Airport, or Al Ain Airport.

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