Islam Makhachev Enrolls in Master's Program

Islam Makhachev is starting a new chapter far from the cage, enrolling in a master's program while his fighting legacy continues to grow. The reigning UFC welterweight champion has commenced studies at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Dubai, seeking to broaden his skills beyond a record-breaking MMA career that now places him in the sport's greatest-ever conversations.

Makhachev's life outside the Octagon is famously active, filled with mountain biking and managing a farm with nearly 1,000 animals in Dagestan. His latest pursuit, however, is academic. The champion has opted for a more laid-back challenge, trading adrenaline for pen and paper by starting a master's degree. This move highlights a long-term perspective for the 34-year-old, who still has significant goals left in his fighting career but is proactively building for his future.

His in-cage accomplishments are forcing a reevaluation of the sport's pantheon. Former UFC fighter Diana Belbita stated plainly that Makhachev belongs in the top three fighters of all time, alongside legends Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. Makhachev's resume supports this: a stunning 30-fight professional record with only one loss, a current 17-fight winning streak, and the most successful title defenses in UFC history. After winning the lightweight title in 2022 and vacating it in 2025, he captured the welterweight belt by beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and successfully defended it at UFC 330 in August.

His analysis carries the weight of a dominant champion who has cleared out the lightweight category and is now setting his sights on new challenges at welterweight. While specific contenders weren't detailed in the available sources, his public commentary signals he is actively scouting the next generation of threats and potential superfights.

Makhachev's influence extends through his famed Dagestani team. Reports indicate UFC Qatar will feature a huge fight involving an undefeated teammate of the champion. This continues the tradition of Makhachev's camp producing elite talent, keeping the team in the spotlight even when the champion himself isn't scheduled to compete.

• Makhachev is pursuing a master's degree in economics in Dubai while maintaining his UFC championship reign.
• Former UFC fighter Diana Belbita ranks him alongside Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre as a top-three MMA fighter of all time.
• He is on a 17-fight winning streak and holds the record for most successful UFC title defenses.
• Makhachev recently defended his welterweight title at UFC 330 in August after winning the belt at UFC 322.