"MMA Fighter Responds to Habib's Actions: Embracing 50 Women, as Seen in a Video"
MMA fighter Jeff Monson weighed in on Khabib Nurmagomedov's unusual action of refusing to shake hands with a journalist, as reported by RIA Sport.
As per the report, following the Champions League final between PSG and Inter, Nurmagomedov snubbed TV presenter Kate Scott's handshake offer. When she extended her hand and expressed her happiness to meet him, Nurmagomedov placed his right hand on his chest and replied similarly.
Monson, recognizing Nurmagomedov's decision to abstain from physical contact with women who aren't his close companions, praised the fighter's self-discipline.
"I think Khabib's decision reflects his inner discipline. He's consistent not only in his religious beliefs but also in his lifestyle, avoiding vices like alcohol, smoking, and nightlife. This discipline is what made him a champion and a positive influence for both adults and children," - Monson opined.
However, Monson clarified he holds a different perspective when it comes to personal interactions.
"I'm a Muslim too, but I don't adhere to such strict limitations. I don't shy away from interacting with numerous women requesting group photos. I don't see any issue with that, provided I'm not seeking their phone numbers or inviting them out.
Contacts are a part of human nature. Religious rules are designed to shield both men and women from temptations, but I don't believe every touch leads to sin. It boils down to intentions.
I don't think religion forbids touching women. For me, this rule has no practical relevance. I'm devoted to my wife, and my faith, respect for others, and feelings towards God remain unchanged whether I touch someone or not," - the MMA fighter explained.
24SMI reports that Jeff Monson is an American athlete who acquired a Russian passport years ago.
Beyond his sports career, Monson earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's from the University of Minnesota Duluth, thereby becoming a licensed psychologist. He worked as a child and family psychologist in Lewis County for several years.
Monson made his MMA debut at 26 and retired in 2021 due to a severe injury.
At the time of his retirement, Monson had a record of 60 wins, including 3 knockouts, 26 losses, and 1 draw in the MMA arena.
In an interview with RIA Sport, Monson confessed he converted to Islam after encountering refugees from Gaza.
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Enrichment Data:- There is no official statement from Jeff Monson that directly addresses Khabib Nurmagomedov's religious practices or his well-known refusal to shake hands (often for religious reasons, though UFC fighters may sometimes decline for other reasons as well).- Monson has openly shared his personal religious and political views in interviews and social media platforms, but those discussions do not specifically revolve around Khabib's faith or handshaking behavior.- Online platforms like TikTok and MMA-related platforms see diverse conversations about faith in sports and the relationship between athletes' religious practices and public actions. However, Monson's specific viewpoint on Khabib's religious conduct is not documented in the available sources.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's decision to abstain from handshaking with women is not unique to his religious beliefs as Jeff Monson competes in sports and shares the same faith, but he approaches personal interactions differently, as seen in his experiences working as a child and family psychologist. During his MMA career, Monson, like Nurmagomedov, maintained a strong focus on discipline and self-control, evidenced by his extensive wins in the MMA arena.
