UFC lightweight contender Mark Madsen is scheduled to face Jared Gordon at UFC 295 on November 11.
‘The Olympian‘ has been signed to Dana White’s promotion since 2019, after competing in the likes of Cage Warriors previously. Madsen has put together an impressive record of 4-1 under the UFC banner, emerging victorious on his debut with a stoppage of Daniel Belluardo inside 90 seconds.
The 39-year-old lost last time out to American fighter Grant Dawson, who takes on Bobby Green this Saturday. He’ll be looking to re-discover his form against a game opponent in Gordon next month, on the prelims of a card headlined by a Heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
Preparations for UFC 295
With just over five weeks until the UFC returns to New York, Mark Madsen will be looking to make adjustments during fight camp.
Out-the-octagon circumstances have meant a change in surroundings for the Dane. He usually trains at Fight Ready MMA, an Arizonian outfit known for notable names such as Henry Cejudo and The Korean Zombie. Despite this, Madsen believes the lead-up has not been affected by a shifting of scenery.
He told Combat Sports UK: “I think fight camp is going amazing. It has been my first fight camp in the UFC which has been outside the US. This will be my sixth UFC fight, where I’ve always trained at Xtreme Couture, or Fight Ready in Arizona.
“Given personal circumstances, I had to go back to Denmark with my family … but the camp is going great. I’m preparing in Denmark, and also had the amazing opportunity to come here [Morocco] and train with Nasrat [Haqparast].”
UFC 295 is being held at the infamous Madison Square Garden, an arena gleaming with a multitude of historic combat sporting events. It will be the promotion’s seventh outing at the New York venue, it’s last coming in the form of Adesanya vs. Pereira at UFC 281.
Madsen will be making a career-first appearance at Madison Square Garden next month. ‘The Olympian‘ seems to be relishing the opportunity to showcase his skillset come fight night.
He said: “Huge, huge anticipation. Fighting in Madison Square Garden, let’s be honest, is one of the most iconic arenas around the world.
“I was actually booked to wrestle there all the way back in 2001 in the World Championships. Unfortunately, 9/11 happened and everything was cancelled.
“It’s my first time at Madison Square Garden. I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to being on a card of this magnitude.”
Mark Madsen Talks Jared Gordon and Future Opponents
A victory against Jared Gordon would certainly bolster Madsen’s professional resume. ‘Flash‘ is widely-regarded as a dangerous opponent to many up-and-coming talents, and has been in the UFC since 2017.
The American has been through a frustrating period of late, however. Many thought Gordon had beaten Scouse prospect Paddy Pimblett at UFC 282, despite coming up short on the judges’ scorecards. He also experienced a no contest ruling last time out against Bobby Green due to an accidental head clash.
Madsen doesn’t believe these misfortunes will affect his future octagon counterpart in their bout. He continued: “I see Jared Gordon as a great fighter.
“He’s very well-rounded, and looking back at some of his fights like the one with Paddy the Baddy, I do believe he won. He’s got great cardio, some good skills all around. This is the fight the UFC wanted, so this is the fight they’re going to get.
“I’ll make sure to bring in the best game I have. I’m sure Jared’s going to bring his A-game. I’m fighting on his home turf, so I’m going have to make sure it’s a decisive win.”
Throughout his professional career, Madsen has achieved greatness. Over 3000 wrestling matches have culminated in a 2016 Olympic Silver medal, and five podium finishes across a number of World Championships.
His first loss in MMA came last time out at the hands of Dawson, a result the Dane will be looking to distinguish. Annoyances have certainly been caused by said fight, a fight which Madsen hopes he can avenge in the near future.
He said: “I do believe it played a huge part in that Grant Dawson wasn’t able to make the weight.
“To be honest I would love to run that fight back. Right now I’m facing Jared Gordon, but I am coming for Grant Dawson.
“Let him climb the ranks, and then I’d like to have a proper scrap at lightweight, not a catchweight … man they screwed me over in that fight. It is what it is, and I can’t turn the result, but I’ll run it back eventually.”
UFC 295 will take place on November 11, with UK-based fans able to watch the early preliminary card from 11 p.m.
Do you think Mark Madsen will beat Jared Gordon next month? Would you like to see him take on Grant Dawson in a rematch? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
