JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When Mark Madsen shifted from wrestling to MMA, he heard the doubters loud and clear.

Now 12 fights into his professional career, including his UFC 273 win over Vinc Pichel, Madsen (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is proud he’s proved the critics wrong. He might be older than some, but he’s not “too old” to succeed.

“I’m proud,” Madsen told reporters including MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference Saturday. “I’m proud to get the job done again. How much is it, 12-0? I think so. Still undefeated. I decided to retire from wrestling in 2018. I decided to move into MMA 100 percent. People told me back then, when I told everybody I wanted to sign with the UFC, I was too old. Well, I’m here.”

Madsen, 37, is a multitime Olympian who won a silver medal in the 2016 Oympic Games. After beginning his career as a rogue fighter, he has since moved to Scottsdale, Ariz, in order to train under coach Eddie Cha at Fight Ready MMA. Madsen is giving himself two trips around the sun to become champion.

“I’m moving over to the States,” Madsen said. “I’m doing a two-year title run. This is probably the best start I could have at all. Vinc Pichel – he’s a big challenge. He’s a tough dude – one of the physically strongest guys in the lightweight division. I’m proud. I’m happy.

“… To be honest, MMA is such a beautiful sport. It’s an honor to be in the UFC. It’s an honor to compete with the best MMA fighters in the world. I’m happy to be here.”

The reason for a two-year timeline is realism, according to Madsen. It takes time to manufacture something special and Madsen thinks its a fair goal.

“I think (for) great success, you need a timeline,” Madsen said. “Great things are not a fairy tale. Life is not a fairy tale. You need to be able to invest the time in things you want to achieve. I believe it will take me two years to reach my maximum potential. I can sit here and say, ‘Hey, I want a title shot tomorrow.’

“Well, that might happen and it might make sense because it takes time to develop my maximum potential. I do believe I have the potential but it will take time. … This will take time. MMA is a very complex sport. It’s a wonderful sport. It’s a very challenging sport. Wrestling might be my first love, but MMA is my definitely my second.”