Famous Russian-American boxer and wrestler Jeff Monson has converted to Islam, reciting the shahadah in Moscow.
In a video shared on social media, Monson appeared reciting the shahada or Islamic declaration of faith.
Monson is an American-born Russian mixed martial artist, boxer, and submission grappler who competes primarily in the heavyweight division. In submission wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Monson is a two-time ADCC World Championand a no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion.
He moved to Russia in 2013, gained citizenship in 2018, and renounced his US citizenship. Monson now resides in Ufa.
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, with the number of Muslims set to grow at more than twice the rate of the overall world population between 2015 and 2060 according to research by the Pew Research Center.
Last year, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the reigning ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai champion, converted to Islam.
German footballer Robert Bauer has converted to Islam, announcing the decision on his official Instagram account.
