An American-born Russian mixed martial arts fighter, Jeff Monson, recently discussed the possibility of a rematch with Oleg Taktarov. He indicated a clear interest in staging a second encounter.
“Yes, of course I would like to have a rematch with Oleg Taktarov,” Monson stated on the record, signaling his openness to renewed competition.
The two competitors met in Moscow in August 2023 under boxing rules. The bout stretched through three rounds and ended in a draw. In the wake of that result, both athletes expressed their desire to settle the rivalry under mixed martial arts rules, seeking a definitive outcome for fans in North America and beyond.
Taktarov holds the distinction of being the first Russian champion in the UFC era. Across his MMA career, he logged 24 fights, securing 17 victories, eight losses, and two draws. His most recent official appearance came in April 2008, marking the end of an era for a generation of fighters who helped shape the sport in both Russia and the United States.
Monson has competed in 87 MMA bouts, recording 60 wins, five losses, and one draw. His last official fight took place in 2016. In May 2018, Monson gained Russian citizenship by decree of President Vladimir Putin, a development that has influenced his standing and fan base in both Canada and the United States.
In related news, chatter around other top figures remains constant in the sport. Reports from the North American MMA community indicate ongoing interest in how veteran fighters navigate career choices, cross-border opportunities, and the evolving rules that govern competition at the highest levels. Observers note potential matchups that could resonate with audiences in Canada and the United States, particularly when veterans from different eras discuss formats and legacies.
Additional context shows how past collaborations between fighters of different national backgrounds can spark renewed interest in marquee bouts. The possibility of a rematch between Monson and Taktarov continues to attract attention from fans who remember their Moscow clash and from new followers curious about how such a match would unfold under modern MMA rules. The discussion underscores how national affiliations, regulatory environments, and fan enthusiasm interact to shape rematch conversations and scheduling decisions.
As the sport grows, analysts in Canada and the United States highlight the importance of adaptability, media presentation, and long-term branding when veteran fighters consider returning to competition. The evolving landscape of MMA regulations and the international audience further informs how rematches are planned, promoted, and executed, with an eye toward fairness, safety, and competitive integrity for prominent figures like Monson and Taktarov.
Chimaev has also weighed in publicly on the topic of major event participation and the string of decisions that could influence his own schedule, including whether he would appear at high-profile events such as a hypothetical UFC 300. His commentary reflects a broader industry conversation about star power, scheduling, and audience demand in North America.