UFC champion Makhachev enrolls in master's degree program in Dubai after record 17th straight win

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion and holder of a promotional-record 17 consecutive victories, has enrolled in a master’s degree program at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Dubai, the university confirmed on its website.

Makhachev most recently defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330, stretching his unbeaten run inside the Octagon to 17 straight wins — the longest winning streak in UFC history. The former lightweight champion has now added an academic pursuit to his schedule as he prepares for a second defense of the 170-pound title.

Plekhanov University welcomed the enrollment with a formal statement, framing Makhachev’s decision as consistent with the discipline that has defined his fighting career. “Makhachev reminds us that a person’s strength is measured not by what they’ve already achieved, but by whether they’re ready to become a student again,” the university said. “This powerful step distinguishes those who remain at the top from those who simply ascended to it once.”

On the competitive front, Makhachev is targeting a second welterweight title defense before Ramadan, with Carlos Prates emerging as a leading candidate for the next challenger. The UFC has not yet made an official announcement regarding the matchup.

The enrollment marks a notable moment for one of MMA’s most dominant active champions, who has held UFC gold at lightweight before moving up to claim the welterweight belt. Balancing postgraduate study with preparations for a world title defense will test a different kind of discipline from the Dagestani fighter.