Jeff Monson has made a name for himself traveling around the world, putting on some entertaining fights and welcoming newcomer heavyweights to the world of mixed marital arts. It appears, however, that Monson seems to be favoring Russia over any other country and he is to become a Russian citizen.

“I feel Russian in spirit, and recently I’ve been spending more and more time in your country,” Monson told Russian TV channel Dozhd on Friday.

Monson has fought in Russia eight times since 2014, and it looks like he will be staying there for good if he can gain citizenship there.

“It takes some time, particularly at the moment, when there are problems — sanctions — between Russia and the US. But I hope that within a couple of months that will be finished.”

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