Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), primarily the UFC, is littered with well-educated people. It’s common for people to think that the UFC is just a lot of people with more muscles than brains, but these fighters break the stereotypical mold.
Wanting to finish a degree is a common thing for many people. You could pay people to do your homework, and getting HW for money may be used as an easy way to land a degree. I’d hire someone to do my homework if I could spend more time training. It’s not wrong to pay someone to do my homework if I’m too busy preparing for a fight.
These MMA fighters demonstrate that having a degree as a fallback position is an excellent choice for an athlete. Being a competitor means learning more about the world around you. According to Angelina Grin, a writer and editor at Studybay, certain fighters’ academic backgrounds have likely played a significant role in defining their strategic approach to combat, allowing them to predict and neutralize their opponents’ moves with pinpoint accuracy.
These fighters are well-trained athletes, but they never neglect their mental abilities in favor of it. Let’s look at some of the most educated UFC/MMA fighters.
Ben Askren
Kicking off the list of people who prove that you can be smart and powerful is this fighter. Ben Askren is a former MMA fighter who made a name for himself with his exceptional wrestling abilities and unique personality. Before stepping into the world of professional fighting, Askren pursued higher education and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Sociology.
Impressive accomplishments, including championship titles in prestigious organizations like Bellator and ONE Championship, marked Askren’s journey in MMA. However, his transition to the UFC garnered significant attention, with highly anticipated matchups against seasoned veterans like Robbie Lawler and Jorge Masvidal. These fights showcased Askren’s resilience and determination, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor in the sport.
Tor Troeng
Tor Troeng is a retired Swedish MMA fighter who stands out as one of the most highly educated figures in the sport. Despite his impressive academic credentials, Tor made his mark in the world of combat sports through his memorable appearance on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, where he finished in the respectable seventh position.
While Tor kicked off his U career with a remarkable finish, his journey was short-lived, as losses in his next three fights led him to retire from active competition. However, Tor’s true calling lay in the realm of academics. A math genius, he pursued a master’s degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Umeå and now works as a project assistant in mathematics and statistics at the same institution. Alongside his academic pursuits, Tor has embraced a role as a fight promoter, running the Swedish MMA organization called “Battle of Botnia.”
Takeya Mizugaki
Takeya Mizugaki was a Japanese MMA fighter who defied conventional norms by pursuing his passion for combat sports while simultaneously excelling in academia. During his prime years, Mizugaki was hailed as a promising Japanese prospect, remarkably balancing his MMA career with his academic pursuits at the university level.
After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, Mizugaki’s thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Kanto Gakuin University. However, his true calling lay within the confines of the MMA cage, not within the hallowed halls of a college, where he forged a respectable career and became one of Japan’s most accomplished fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
At the peak of his prowess, Mizugaki embarked on an impressive five-fight winning streak, establishing himself as a legitimate title contender and sharing the octagon with UFC greats like Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. Beyond the UFC, he competed in several prominent promotions, including:
- WEC
- Shooto
- Cage Force
Carla Esparza
Many people could learn from Carla Esparza’s journey to the top of the MMA world. A California State University, Fullerton graduate with a degree in Psychology, Esparza’s understanding of the human mind and behavior has undoubtedly contributed to her success in the UFC Octagon.
Esparza etched her name in UFC history by becoming the first woman to hold the coveted Strawweight Championship title. Her exceptional wrestling skills, honed through years of dedication and discipline, have earned her a formidable reputation within the sport.
Randy Couture
Those who want to find a university to get a writing degree in London might want to keep an eye on this guy. Randy Couture is a legendary figure in the UFC, renowned for his remarkable achievements within the octagon. Beyond his martial prowess, Couture’s academic journey is equally impressive, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature from Oklahoma State University.
Couture’s remarkable UFC career is characterized by several notable achievements:
- He became a champion in two different divisions.
- He secured the title of UFC champion six times.
- He was inducted into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame.
His exceptional wrestling skills and formidable dirty boxing in the clinch have earned him a reputation as a well-rounded and intelligent fighter. Couture’s academic pursuits and military background have undoubtedly contributed to his disciplined approach and strategic mindset within the octagon, setting him apart as a true trailblazer in mixed martial arts.
Dominick Reyes
Dominick Reyes is a true embodiment of perseverance and dedication. He seamlessly balances his roles as a mixed martial artist and a professional in the information technology field. A former title challenger in the UFC, losing a closely contested bout against the formidable Jon Jones, Reyes has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the organization.
Reyes’ journey is a testament to the power of hard work and unwavering commitment. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Stony Brook University, he initially harbored aspirations of pursuing a career in football and joining the NFL.
However, when those dreams didn’t materialize, Reyes redirected his focus to mixed martial arts, rapidly ascending the ranks to become a top contender. Despite his fame as a UFC fighter, Reyes has maintained a full-time job as an IT support technician at Oak Hills High School in California since 2017, exemplifying his well-rounded approach to life. Something that a lot of college applications pay particular attention to.
Jon Fitch
It’s not surprising to see an MMA fighter have a degree in physical education since it’s the core of their sport, after all. Jon Fitch is a former UFC welterweight contender whose career in the octagon was defined by his exceptional wrestling skills and unwavering determination. Fitch’s educational background is equally impressive, having earned a degree in physical education from Purdue University.
Fitch’s technical prowess and relentless fighting style made him a formidable force in the UFC’s welterweight division. His academic pursuits in physical education likely gave him a deep understanding of athletic training and performance optimization, which undoubtedly aided his journey as a professional mixed martial artist.
Fitch’s journey in the UFC exemplifies the seamless blend of academic knowledge and athletic skills that can propel an individual to greatness in professional sports.
Joe Lauzon
Technology doesn’t always appeal to some people, but it was an easy fit in this fighter’s case. Joe Lauzon has etched his name in the annals of MMA history as one of the most electrifying fighters ever to grace the UFC octagon. His record-setting accomplishments, including the most finishes in the UFC’s lightweight division (13) and an incredible seven “Fight of the Night” bonuses, have cemented his legacy as a true veteran and fan-favorite within the sport.
While pursuing his passion for MMA, Lauzon’s thirst for knowledge extended beyond the realm of combat sports. Driven by a lifelong fascination with computers and science, he studied at the prestigious Wentworth Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Initially, Lauzon secured a job as a network administrator in 2007 but didn’t hang around for long. His unwavering dedication to MMA led him to take a leap of faith and focus solely on his fighting career. This decision ultimately paved the way for his ascent as one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history.
You Can be Both Smart And A Fighter
These MMA fighters are breaking barriers, not just in their sport, but stereotypes about athletes. They show you don’t have to give up school to be a powerful and dominating fighter. Each of these individuals has excelled in their academic journeys and has forged new paths for those that come after them. They are excellent examples of what happens when dedication meets opportunity.