SUMMARY
- In an Instagram post, Mark Madsen announced his official retirement from MMA.
- Madsen has been part of the sport for over a decade.
The UFC has always been acknowledged for its level of competition and elite roster. Not only has it been a home to up-and-coming mixed martial artists but also to well-established sports personalities from different fields. Mixed martial arts facilitate fighters to transition from their initial path to a more diverse approach. One such fighter happens to be UFC veteran Mark Madsen.
Madsen started off his career as an amateur wrestler and went on to establish himself as a three-time Olympian. His accolades in wrestling involve gold medals in the Nordic, Danish, and European wrestling championships, as well as an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro-Greco-Roman. He went on to become a mixed martial artist, competing in promotions such as Cage Warriors and European MMA.
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In his recent Instagram post, Mark announced his official retirement from the UFC as well as the sport of MMA. He stated, “The time is right, I’m full and looking back on a career in elite sports that I’m very proud of. Sports have shaped me as a person”. This came as a shock to many of his fans and his country, who were always proud and excited to see the former Olympian compete in the octagon.
Mark Madsen bids farewell to a fulfilling career at the age of 39
Mark Madsen made his UFC lightweight career debut at UFC Fight Night 160, defeating Danilo Belluardo through a first-round TKO. He went on to win his next three fights via decision, ending an undefeated streak of 12 wins in his professional MMA career. The 39-year-old faced his first career loss against Grant Dawson at UFC Fight Night 214 via submission.
Mark O. Madsen is calling it a career
Full story: https://t.co/NWogUwUXdO pic.twitter.com/BudGKjWKso
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 31, 2024
He then also lost his next and final fight in the UFC against Jared Gordon at UFC 295 via first-round TKO, getting dropped with an elbow and finishing with ground and pound. Madsen looks back on a fulfilling career spanning over 25 years in elite sports. He is beloved by fans for his heart, skills, and humble personality.
UFC veteran Mark Madsen shares the reason for his sudden retirement
Mark Madsen shared with his fans the reason behind his retirement from the sport in his Instagram post. He shared, “MMA is a demanding sport, and the body has to last for many years to come. This has also been a factor in my decision to resign”. He clarified that it was due to the age restrictions and toll on his body that he had decided to farewell the sport.
The former UFC fighter entered the octagon at the age of 35, which is often a retirement age for many. He was still able to dominate elite performers during his run and ended his MMA career at 12-2. The lightweight further appreciated the support and love given to him and his family during his career. He further commits to different pursuits and feels proud to have taken a shot at his dream in MMA.