Islam Makhachev has added a new chapter to his career away from mixed martial arts after enrolling as a master’s student at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Dubai.
The UFC welterweight champion remains active at the highest level of MMA, but the latest move sees Makhachev return to the classroom while continuing his professional fighting career. Plekhanov University officially announced his enrollment on October 2.
The development comes shortly after another successful year inside the Octagon for Makhachev, who currently holds the UFC welterweight championship and has established himself among the sport’s most accomplished active fighters.
Makhachev Begins a New Chapter at Plekhanov University
Plekhanov University welcomed Makhachev to its Dubai campus as a master’s student, describing the decision as another step in his pursuit of personal development. The university highlighted Makhachev’s discipline and ambition throughout his professional career and said he was now bringing those qualities into his education.
Makhachev has competed professionally since 2010 and has built a 29 – 1 record during his career. He also became a two division UFC champion after moving from lightweight to welterweight. The university’s announcement did not specify the exact master’s program Makhachev has joined or provide details about his course schedule.
From UFC Champion to Master’s Student
Makhachev’s decision comes while he remains at the top of the UFC’s welterweight division. The Russian fighter captured the welterweight title after moving up from lightweight and has since defended the championship against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August. Makhachev won that fight by unanimous decision, extending his UFC winning streak to 17 consecutive victories.
His run includes championship success in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, along with a lengthy period of dominance against elite UFC competition.Now, alongside training camps and championship preparations, Makhachev will have academic responsibilities to manage.
Islam Makhachev Has Not Announced His Next Opponent
There is currently no officially announced date for Makhachev’s next UFC title defense. The champion previously indicated that he would like to return before Ramadan in 2027. In an interview reported by MMA Fighting, Makhachev said he was recovering from some minor issues following his most recent fight and wanted to strengthen his spine before returning to competition.
Makhachev also said that fighting before Ramadan would be his preferred scenario, with Ramadan beginning in February 2027. That leaves the UFC with time to determine the next challenger while Makhachev continues his recovery and prepares for another championship fight.
A Different Challenge Outside the Octagon
Makhachev’s enrollment provides another look at the champion’s life away from competition. His professional career has been built around years of training, competition and championship preparation. Pursuing a master’s degree adds an entirely different commitment to his schedule. Plekhanov University described his decision as an example of continuing to develop even after reaching the highest level of professional sport.
For Makhachev, the academic journey will now run alongside his UFC career, with the 34 year old still holding the welterweight championship and waiting for his next title assignment. His next challenge, therefore, will not be limited to the Octagon. Makhachev is now balancing the demands of being a UFC champion with life as a university student.
What Comes Next for Makhachev?
Makhachev’s next fight has not yet been officially announced, although he has indicated that he wants to compete before Ramadan in 2027.
For now, the champion has another commitment on his schedule. After spending more than a decade competing at the highest level of MMA, Makhachev has returned to education and begun working toward a master’s degree while continuing his UFC career. The Octagon remains his primary stage, but Makhachev’s latest move shows that his ambitions now extend beyond fighting.
