Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is doing a lot more than just dominating the UFC octagon these days. At 34 years old, the double champion has decided to step into a completely different kind of arena. He is officially heading back to college.
A Master’s Degree for the UFC Champion
As of October 2026, you can officially call him a master’s student. Makhachev recently enrolled at Plekhanov University in Dubai, proving that his drive extends well past mixed martial arts. Balancing an elite sports career with higher education is tough, but the Dagestani fighter clearly wants to keep pushing his own boundaries.
Dominating the Octagon and the Classroom
Inside the cage, Makhachev recently locked down the longest winning streak in UFC history. By defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, he pushed that unbelievable run to 17 consecutive victories. He already holds the UFC Welterweight Championship and completely cleared out the lightweight division before that. Even while sitting at the very top of the pound-for-pound rankings, he still feels he has more to learn.
What the University Says About His Arrival
When Plekhanov University announced his enrollment, they made sure to highlight a different side of the champion. They praised his legendary decade in combat sports while pointing out a great life lesson. True strength is not just measured by the belts you win, but by your willingness to start over as a beginner. Makhachev is taking his world-class discipline straight into his coursework.
The Legacy of a True Combat Sports Icon
Growing up in Dagestan, Makhachev spent his youth wrestling and mastering combat sambo. He built a historic legacy right alongside his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, turning into an absolute MMA icon along the way. Now, the undisputed master of the octagon is ready to tackle a stack of textbooks. Whether he is defending a world title or sitting for an exam, Islam Makhachev is clearly wired for success.
