What UFC Taught Me About Education
I recently watched several UFC fights, and the bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in mid-June 2026 left a particularly strong impression on me. Many critics dismiss mixed martial arts as little more than a modern version of Roman gladiatorial combat. (The comparison, however, is imperfect. Gladiators were often forced into combat, whereas UFC fighters voluntarily dedicate years of their lives to earning a place among the sport's elite. Countless athletes train relentlessly for the opportunity, but only a select few ever reach that level.) Others argue that it is excessively violent and therefore unsuitable as entertainment. I understand these concerns. Yet when I watch elite fighters compete, I see something beyond violence. I see individuals who have pushed themselves to the limits of discipline, resilience, and skill. For that reason, I suspect that many scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators—people who spend their lives confronting difficult problems an...