Russian mixed martial arts fighter Sergei Usman-Shishkin revealed the reasons that led him to convert to Islam, stressing that his decision was motivated by personal reasons.
Shishkin said, in statements reported by Sports.ru: "I chose this religion for personal reasons. I am not giving up my name, the Russians call me Sergei, and my fiancée is Russian. I have found God, changed my personality, and now live with Him in my heart. I have now found many answers that I could not find in my life."
The 23-year-old Russian fighter spoke about the reactions of those around him to his decision to convert to Islam, noting that he received support from people from different backgrounds.
He added: "I see support around me, and I don't care about the critics. I don't intend to read the comments or look up the people who wrote them. There is support, even from some young Russians and Christians. I don't understand why some people write that I am a traitor to my religion and my ancestors. When they say that, I have a response: Your ancestors were pagans, then they converted to Christianity. Should that be considered a betrayal of religion?"
Shishkin has had 8 fights so far in his career, during which he achieved 7 victories, including 3 knockout victories.
Shishkin is scheduled to have his next fight against Nikita Mikhailov at the Ural FC tournament in the Russian city of Perm on August 29.
