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It looks like the professional MMA career of UFC fighter Mark O. Madsen has come to an end because the fighter has announced his retirement from professional MMA competition.
The fighter announced the news on Instagram:
Google Translate provided the following translation of what Madsen stated in his Instagram post:
Madsen ends his career
He is Denmark's winningest professional wrestler and MMA fighter in the world's biggest federation, the UFC, but now he is resigning. Mark O. Madsen is ready for the next chapter.
After more than 25 years in elite sport, Mark O. Madsen is ending his sporting career.
"The time is right. I am fed up and look back on a career in elite sport of which I am very proud. The sport has shaped me as a person, and I am grateful for everything it has given me and my family," says Mark O. Madsen.
The sporting career is put on the shelf, but the door opens to a new one.
"I like to create results, and I would like to use that in other contexts. There are exciting meetings in the calendar, but now is the time for reflection," says Mark O. Madsen.
He acknowledges that it is no easy decision to resign.
"A large part of your identity lies in the job. Especially as an elite athlete, where the structure of everyday life is often dictated by your job. But I am 39 years old and there are still many things in life that I want to achieve.”
"MMA is a demanding sport, and the body must last for many more years. It has also been a factor in my decision to resign, but I am super proud and grateful for everything we have achieved.”
It is not only the pride surrounding the sporting results that fills Denmark's most winning wrestler.
"I am proud that we dared to pursue our dreams. That we found the courage to do so. As a human being, I need safety and security, but we did it. I am proud to show my children that the will to want and the courage to dare can lead to fantastic experiences.”
"A huge thank you must go to all the people who have followed me and my family throughout my sporting career in both wrestling and MMA. Your support means everything to us and we are grateful to each and every one of you. We couldn't have done it without you.”
Madsen went 12-2-0 as a professional MMA fighter (4-2-0 UFC), with notable wins coming over Danillo Belluardo, Austin Hubbard, Clay Guida and Vinc Pichel. Madsen last competed at UFC 295 in November of 2023, suffering a first round TKO loss to Jared Gordon.
