Jeff Monson has expressed his interest in joining the executive body of Russia’s Mixed Martial Arts organization. This revelation comes on the heels of Russia’s renowned heavyweight MMA veteran, Fedor Emelianenko, stepping down from his role as the country’s MMA president.
Jeff Monson, the 52-year-old MMA stalwart hailing from the US state of Minnesota, shared his aspirations with TASS, stating that he is open to the possibility of running for a position within Russia’s MMA organization. Despite initially indicating he had no intentions of vying for the role of Russia’s MMA president following Emelianenko’s resignation, Monson now says, “If I’m nominated, I might think about it.”
Monson, affectionately known as “The Snowman,” boasts an impressive MMA record, with 85 fights to his name, including 60 victories. Beyond his MMA prowess, he holds the esteemed title of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion.
His connection with Russia deepened in May 2018 when he was granted Russian citizenship. Subsequently, in September of the same year, he was elected to the Council of Deputies (City Council) of the Krasnogorsk District, Moscow Region—an inner suburb of Moscow itself.
Emelianenko is a part of the boxing camp of Evgeny Romanov.
For Monson, the prospect of contributing to the growth of MMA in Russia is an enticing one. He commented, “It would be an honor for me to help grow the sport.”
While Monson’s potential involvement in Russia’s MMA organization unfolds, Fedor Emelianenko, often referred to as “The Last Emperor,” has etched his legacy in the annals of MMA history. His storied career includes a stint as the MMA Pride Fighting Championships Heavyweight Champion from 2003 to 2007 and multiple titles, such as the FIAS World Combat Sambo Championship Heavyweight Champion (2002, 2005, 2007).
Despite briefly retiring between 2012 and 2015, Emelianenko remained deeply connected to the MMA world. During his hiatus, he assumed the role of president of the Russian MMA Union and served as an advisor to the then-Russian Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko.
Upon his return, Emelianenko continued to make waves in the MMA arena, securing notable victories and enduring as a beloved figure in the sport. His remarkable journey culminated in being named “the top MMA fighter of the decade” by the prestigious American sports magazine, Sports Illustrated.
Emelianenko recently challenged Mike Tyson, hopeful to make his boxing debut on the undercard of Ngannou vs Fury in Saudi Arabia.