KAZAN, Aug 9, Adela Ziatdinova. Mixed martial arts fighter ( MMA) Jeff Monson said that the desire of American boxer Kevin Johnson to change his name in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin did not arise overnight and he supports his choice.
On August 8, in an interview with the REN TV channel, Johnson announced his desire to change his name to Kevin Vladimirovich. Previously, the athlete expressed a desire to obtain Russian citizenship.
«I know Kevin very well and he didn't make this decision overnight, he thought about it for a long time, he really admires Russia, he really admires Putin. Kevin obviously supports Russia,» Monson said.
«You know, it's more than a tattoo, more than some little thing, I think it shows great admiration. Everyone is free to do what he wants. I can't say that his decision is good or bad idea, I just support it,» he added.