(MENAFN) Mixed martial arts star Jeff Monson, who was granted Russian citizenship in 2018, plans to renounce his American citizenship due to his disagreement with the foreign policies of the US government.
Monson, who was elected as a deputy to the Council of Deputies of the Krasnogorsk district in Moscow Region, said that he disagrees with the US policies because they interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and as a result, people suffer.
He expressed his love for Russia and its people, and said that he wants to be the holder of a Russian passport only.
Nicknamed ‘the Snowman,’ Monson has won 61 out of his 90 fights and is a former challenger for the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title, as well as a two-time ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship winner. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu world champion.
Monson is an enthusiast of Russian and Soviet culture and has said that he has a “Russian soul.” He was granted honorary citizenship of the breakaway Republic of Abkhazia in 2016 and received a passport in 2017 to what was then the self-declared Lugansk People’s Republic.
Recently, Monson filmed and edited a documentary about “the people of Donbass,” and in September revealed his plan to open sports schools in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Although he has children living in the United States, Monson said that he loves everything about Russia and wants to hold a Russian passport only.
The move to renounce his US citizenship is a significant decision for Monson, who has been actively involved in Russian politics and culture since he was granted Russian citizenship.
His decision may reflect the growing polarization in US-Russian relations, and the shift of American citizens, particularly those who have established roots in Russia, toward the Russian Federation.
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