Russian-based mixed-martial-arts (MMA) fighter Jeff Monson says he has renounced his U.S. citizenship. Monson told Russia's state TASS news agency on May 24 that he had handed his passport to the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Monson, 52, also known as the Snowman, has a record of 89 fights -- 61 wins, 26 losses, 1 draw -- in MMA competitions. Monson supported Kremlin-backed separatists in Ukraine's east in 2014. In 2018, he obtained Russian citizenship and became a lawmaker in the city of Krasnogorsk near Moscow, representing the ruling United Russia party. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Russian-Based MMA Fighter Jeff Monson Renounces U.S. Citizenship
Jeff Monson poses with his Russian passport in Patriot Park outside Moscow in June 2018.