Renowned MMA fighter Jeff Monson converts to Islam

American-Russian mixed martial artist (MMA) fighter Jeff Monson has converted to Islam, according to Russian news agency TASS.

The Shahdad ceremony, which marked the athlete's formal acceptance of Islam, took place in Moscow on June 20, however, the news came to light today.

A video showed Monson reciting the Shahada, a declaration of faith in Islam, with visible joy and conviction.

The moment an MMA champion converted to Islam. Ma sha Allah...

©Zakkir pic.twitter.com/bjnqbKfmK6

— Idris (@7signxx) July 8, 2024

In another video, Monson was seen wearing a Palestinian flag, his eyes filled with tears, as he expressed his decision to embrace Islam.

"I deliberately adopt Islam. I would like to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers during this complicated time. I have been thinking about it a lot, but this is a decisive step," the publication reported Monson as saying.

Monson, a seasoned MMA fighter with 60 victories, 26 defeats, and 1 draw, previously rejected US citizenship and became a Russian citizen in 2018. 

He was elected as a deputy of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan from the United Russia party in September 2023.