Yana Kunitskaya, a Russian fighter competing in the UFC, has decided to pursue United States citizenship. The move reflects a long-standing wish to establish a permanent home in the U.S. and to broaden opportunities for herself and her family as they navigate life and sport abroad.
Addressing the sensitive topic of Russian athletes facing travel and competition restrictions, she emphasized that she does not want to view the situation through a political lens. She pointed out that athletes devote their lives to training and may be prevented from competing due to external factors, which she finds regrettable. Kunitskaya noted that such developments complicate visa processes and affect careers, even if they do not change the status of the UFC itself.
She acknowledged that choosing dual citizenship is a personal decision and not a statement against any country. For a competitor who has built a life around sport, family, and daily practice, the path to a second nationality represents stability and opportunity rather than a reflection on past goals. The decision is framed as a practical step to ensure future continuity in a field that requires flexibility and mobility.
Kunitskaya has spent several years living in the United States with her husband, Thiago Santos, who holds permanent resident status, and their household has integrated into the local community. Their children have American citizenship by birth, which underscores the family’s connection to the country and their long-term plans there. The athlete’s experience illustrates how personal and professional lives can intertwine when families pursue residency and nationality options while maintaining competitive ambitions.
In parallel, discussions have emerged about broader citizenship choices among athletes in the region. The conversation touches on what motivates athletes to seek new national ties, how such decisions affect training, sponsorship, and competition logistics, and how national policies shape careers in sports. For Kunitskaya, the move is part of a larger narrative about stability, opportunity, and the evolving realities of international competition.
As an athlete with a public profile, Kunitskaya’s stance invites reflection on how citizenship and immigration policies influence sport, travel, and career longevity. Her personal journey highlights the balance many fighters strike between chasing medals and building a secure home base for their families. The discussion also underscores the diverse backgrounds of fighters who compete on the world stage and the practical choices they make to sustain progress in their sport.