MOSCOW: Jeffrey William Monson, the American-born Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and former world champion boxer and submission wrestler, has publicly announced his conversion to Islam.
The 53-year-old athlete made the revelation in a widely circulated video clip where he recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, under the guidance of a scholar at an Islamic center in Moscow on June 20.
“This journey has been one of profound transformation,” Monson noted during a press conference following the event. “Over the years I have searched for meaning and purpose in my life and found that Islam resonated with my values and beliefs. It gave me the sense of peace and fulfillment I was looking for.”
Monson, born in St. Paul, Minn., is celebrated for his accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu, holding world titles and for his career as a former mixed martial arts star. His decision to embrace Islam, he emphasized, was the result of extensive introspection and exploration of various religious philosophies.
“I am deliberately accepting Islam. I would like to stand side by side with my brothers in this difficult time. I have thought about it a lot, but this is a decisive step,” confirmed Monson.
Monson, who now holds Russian citizenship after renouncing his American citizenship in 2018, has amassed a career record of 60 wins, 26 losses and one draw. Recently, in September 2023, he was elected as a member of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan from the United Russia party.
For Monson, his conversion represents not only a personal spiritual journey, but also a commitment to a community and a faith that he believes is deeply aligned with his principles and aspirations.
