Mark Madsen is the founder of Dominance Fighting Championships. Photo via Instagram (@marktheolympianmadsen)
Former UFC fighter Mark Madsen has a dream of changing the European MMA scene.
A few days back, the Danish 39-year-old launched his own MMA promotion Dominance Fighting Championships, with the ambition to put on MMA events at the highest international level. Three days after the announcement, the response and interest has been more than Madsen could ever hope for.
“My vision is to create Las Vegas-worthy MMA shows in Europe. To build a scene where we can develop European talent and create the stars of tomorrow. I’m blown away by the interest and support so far,” Madsen tells Frontkick in an exclusive interview.
With him in the team he has one of the world’s most prominent MMA managers in Ali Abdelaziz, who will act as a matchmaker for DFC.
“I’m the European version of Dana White, except that I take calls 24/7. I’m way hungrier than Dana,” Madsen laughs.
Just as good as Khamzat Chimaev
First fighter signing with the new promotion is Greco-Roman wrestler Rajbek Bisultanov, who will make his MMA debut on September 21. Madsen has high hopes of making Bisultanov a big star of the sport.
“I think with the experience I have in MMA and wrestling I can help get him to the top. His wrestling is just as good, or even better than Khamzat Chimaev’s. Khamzat was amazing in his transition to MMA, and I’m hoping that we can launch Bisultanov. He’s a beast. Strong, aggressive and talented. I’m expecting great things from him.”
Dominance Fighting Championships at K.B. Hallen
Even though DFC was launched just two days ago, with only one fighter on the roster, they have already sold hundreds of tickets to their debut event at K.B. Hallen in Copenhagen. The classic venue has a 3000 capacity and been hosting shows with the likes of Beatles, Rolling Stones and Black Sabbath.
“In my opinion, since Corona shut down the world, the UFC hasn’t really got back on track. I fought at the UFC Apex and I don’t like it. MMA should be in big arenas. It’s a modern gladiator show. The Rock n’ Roll of sports. We deserve to have great MMA shows on prime time in Europe.”
Mark Madsen. Photo via Instagram (@marktheolympianmadsen)
One the greatest Danish combat sports athletes
Looking at Madsen’s career as a fighter, it is fair to say that it’s nothing but a fantastic. He won silver at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and was five-time medalist at the world championships, before moving to MMA.
“I’m very grateful and proud. As of today, I am the most accomplished Danish wrestler ever. I transitioned to MMA at 34, with the goal to sign with the UFC and be a part of the UFC numbered shows. It took me a year and a half to accomplish what the MMA community said was impossible. Many Danish MMA fighters said that signing with the UFC would be impossible.”
Now, he intends to take his experience and know-how into his promotion Dominance Fighting Championships.
“As a wrestler, you have the Olympics every fourth year, but every single day you have to be the best. You have to be a champ every day. Eat, sleep and dream like a champion. That’s the mindset I want to bring. We are building a very professional promotion.”
Madsen stops to think for a second before he continues.
“As we want to create a UFC in Europe, we have to be skilled everywhere. UFC is hosting amazing shows in every way, it’s like a machine, incredible to be a part of. Dominance Fighting Championships need to build our own machine. Some of the biggest companies in Denmark are already interested in us. I want to build this, and I don’t care what people think, I will make it!”