Islam Makhachev joins Plekhanov University as master’s student while continuing his UFC career as welterweight champion

Islam Makhachev has taken on a new challenge outside the UFC after enrolling as a master’s student at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics’ Dubai branch. The UFC welterweight champion will continue his professional fighting career while pursuing higher education.The Russian fighter, who has a 29-1 professional record, is the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 and a two-division champion. The university praised Makhachev for choosing to continue his education while competing at the highest level. His decision comes after another major victory inside the Octagon.Islam Makhachev begins master’s degree after historic UFC runIslam Makhachev has enrolled as a master’s student at Plekhanov University’s Dubai campus. The university highlighted his decision as an example of personal growth and taking on new challenges beyond sport.The 34-year-old continues to compete in the UFC while balancing his academic commitments. His latest achievement outside the cage comes during one of the most successful periods of his fighting career.Makhachev currently holds the UFC welterweight championship. He is also ranked No. 1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian previously became the lightweight champion before moving up to welterweight and winning another UFC title.His professional record stands at 29 wins and one defeat. He has also won 17 consecutive UFC fights, extending one of the most impressive winning streaks in the promotion’s history.Last month, Makhachev defended his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. He secured a unanimous decision victory after controlling large parts of the contest.The victory also marked his 17th successive UFC win. It extended his remarkable run and strengthened his position at the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.“Ian is a great fighter, good man and I respect him. He gave me a hard time but I still prove every fight,” said Makhachev.The fight was expected to be a clash between Makhachev’s grappling and Machado Garry’s striking. Makhachev quickly showed why his wrestling remains one of his biggest strengths.He scored a takedown in the opening round and spent much of the round controlling Machado Garry against the cage. The Irish fighter defended well but struggled to create sustained offense.Makhachev continued his control in the second round. He knocked Machado Garry down with a head kick before taking the fight back to the ground.Machado Garry later found some success with his kicks and punches. He also managed to bloody Makhachev’s face during a clinch exchange. However, Makhachev remained in control during the grappling exchanges.The Russian finished the fight with seven unanswered takedowns and more than 12 minutes of control time. Machado Garry had just 34 seconds of control time.The Irishman landed 29 significant strikes compared with Makhachev’s 22. However, the judges awarded Makhachev the unanimous decision.Now, Makhachev has added another challenge to his career. While continuing his UFC journey, he will also work towards earning a master’s degree at Plekhanov University.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.