Jeffrey William Monson, an American-born Russian MMA fighter and former world champion, has announced his conversion to Islam.
The 53-year-old athlete shared this significant life change in a widely circulated video, where he pronounced the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, on June 20 at an Islamic centre in Moscow, guided by a scholar.
Here’s the video:
Monson expressed his profound transformation during a subsequent press conference. “Over the years, I have sought meaning and purpose in my life, and I found that Islam resonates with my values and beliefs. It provides me with a sense of peace and fulfillment that I have been searching for”, he remarked.
He emphasized the deliberateness of his decision to adopt Islam, saying, “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.”
Monson, who gained Russian citizenship in 2018 after renouncing his US nationality, boasts a notable MMA career with 60 victories, 26 defeats, and one draw.
Also read: Around 50 Youngsters Embrace Islam In Denmark
Beyond the arena, he was elected as a deputy of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan from the United Russia party in September 2023. Monson’s conversion marks a new chapter in his life, reflecting his ongoing quest for meaning and community.
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