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Greco-Roman Olympian Mark Madsen set for UFC debut

After six years on the regional circuit, 8-0 Danish Greco-Roman wrestler turned mixed martial artist Mark Overgaard Madsen has been officially signed to the UFC.

The multiple-time World and Olympic medalist is set to make his debut against Danillo Belluardo in late September in Singapore.

Having “Olympian” attached to a name is always sure to grab attention, but just how good was Mark Madsen as an amateur wrestler?

Stylistically, Madsen approached Greco-Roman wrestling in the way that most do at the highest level, an unfortunate fact. On the feet he is fairly conservative, using his immense strength and solid positioning to earn passivity calls, allowing him to work from “par terre”, situations starting on the mat where the top wrestler can work for lifts and gut wrenches.