LAS VEGAS – Mark Madsen remains unbeaten in his professional MMA career after enduring battles in and out of the cage.

The lightweight picked up his third UFC win Saturday when he took a split decision from Clay Guida in the UFC on ESPN 29 co-main event.

It was a big night for Madsen (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) not only for his professional career, but also in nhis personal life. “The Olympian” was taking a big step in his fighting journey, but he was also coming off a year-and-a-half layoff due to the pandemic, a broken jaw and dealing with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis for his wife.

“I hear my name being called, and that was just a relief. What an amazing night,” Madsen said at the UFC on ESPN 29 post-fight news conference. “I put my heart and soul into the preparation. I felt I was ready. I felt that I did my best. Clay is a stud. He’s a legend of the sport, and it’s an honor to face a guy like that. I’m just happy that I can go and make a call and tell my wife that it was a win.”

Madsen hopes the win over Guida can inspire his family to keep pushing through adversity and keep dreaming.

“This night was special – very special,” Madsen said. “I had to put in extra to keep focused on the fight and what needed to be done out there. I missed a couple of things out there, but got the job done.

“I can go to the hotel and call my wife – she’s probably waking up right now – and tell her that we took home the fight. I do hope that win inspires my entire family to keep dreaming and keep putting out great dreams and having the courage to follow them, because that’s what it takes at the end of the day.”

Despite being fresh off his return to the octagon, Madsen already is looking at his next step. The 36-year-old wants a fight with Gregor Gillespie, a highly touted wrestler, to prove he’s the best wrestler at 155 pounds.

“Everybody is calling people out, but are you ready for the fight?” Madsen said. “Being the best wrestler in the division, you have to earn that spot. Gregor Gillespie is all about being the best wrestler. I mean, I don’t know what style, because it’s certainly not Greco-Roman. I’m sitting right here. That would be an interesting fight – two different styles clashing. Let’s bring that fight into play.”