Mixed martial arts is an interesting sport that draws unique people into it. And there are few men as unique as Jeff Monson, a self-avowed anarchist and American ex-pat who was once one of the best jiu jitsu fighters in the game. Over the past five years, Monson has spent an increasing amount of his time in Russia, to the point where he declared “I have a Russian soul” and applied for citizenship.
That request went through in November, and now here’s Monson’s first fight since becoming a citizen of Russia: a first round knockout at the hands of Donald Njatah Nua in just over a minute. Monson went 5-4 in 2015 but will have to start out 2016 at 0-1.
Monson isn’t the only combat sports star to gain a Russian passport. Boxer Roy Jones, Jr. had his citizenship fast tracked by Vladamir Putin himself after politely asking for it during a meeting. The ask happened in August and by October Jones already had his passport. It took Jeff Monson a little bit longer – the mixed martial artist’s application took nearly two years to process.
In that way, capitalism has shown its current hold over the formerly communist country – Roy Jones said he wanted his citizenship so he could “do more business” in Russia, making money for everyone. Meanwhile, all Monson had to offer was his appreciation for Russian people and culture, plus a rap sheet from America related to anarchist protests.