Mads Zerahn Burnell Bio
Mads Zerahn Burnell, born on March 6, 1994, in Husum, Denmark, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the featherweight division. Since beginning his career in 2013, Burnell has fought in major promotions including the UFC, Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League (PFL), and Cage Warriors, where he was a featherweight champion. He is also a highly skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, holding a 1st degree black belt and having won the European No-Gi Championship in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Mads Burnell was born and raised in Husum, Denmark. Details about his family background are limited, but his early interest in martial arts led him to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where he quickly excelled. His dedication to the discipline earned him a 1st degree black belt under Chris Haueter. Burnell currently resides in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he trains with the Arte Suave Copenhagen Xtreme Couture team.
Path to MMA
Burnell began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2013, competing primarily in Northern Europe. He quickly established himself by winning his first five bouts. His early success in regional circuits paved the way for opportunities in larger promotions. Alongside his MMA training, his accomplishments in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including the 2014 European No-Gi Championship, helped build his grappling foundation essential for MMA competition.
Mads Burnell Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Burnell’s professional MMA debut came in 2013, and he amassed an 8–1 record fighting in Northern Europe before joining the UFC. His early career was marked by consistent victories that showcased his grappling skills and improving striking. This period was crucial for his development and gaining experience against a variety of opponents.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–2018)
Burnell made his UFC debut on September 2, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve, stepping in as a replacement. Despite a loss via submission in his first fight, he secured a unanimous decision win against Mike Santiago in January 2018. His UFC tenure included notable bouts such as a competitive fight with Arnold Allen. However, after a series of mixed results, Burnell was released from the UFC in September 2018.
Cage Warriors Era (2018–2019)
Shortly after his UFC release, Burnell signed with Cage Warriors in September 2018. He debuted with a first-round submission victory over Lukasz Rajewski. His career highlight in Cage Warriors was winning the featherweight title by submitting Dean Trueman with a Japanese necktie in June 2019. Burnell successfully defended his skills in subsequent bouts, solidifying his reputation as a top featherweight in Europe.
Bellator MMA Era (2020–Present)
Burnell signed with Bellator MMA in 2020 and debuted with a first-round TKO win over Darko Banovic. He continued to build momentum with victories over notable opponents such as Saul Rogers and Emmanuel Sanchez. Burnell signed a multi-fight contract extension with Bellator in 2021. Despite some losses, including fights against Ádám Borics and Pedro Carvalho, he remains a competitive featherweight contender. His recent wins over Justin Gonzales and Daniel Weichel in 2023 demonstrate his ongoing presence in the division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Burnell is known for his strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, which form the core of his fighting style. His grappling expertise allows him to control opponents on the ground and secure submissions. He combines this with effective striking and tactical fight IQ, making him a versatile featherweight. His partnership with coaches at Arte Suave Copenhagen Xtreme Couture has been integral to his development.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Burnell’s career include winning the Cage Warriors featherweight championship and his European No-Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu title. His Bellator debut TKO and multiple decision wins highlight his adaptability and resilience in high-level competition.
Mads Burnell Career Wins
Mads Burnell has accumulated 20 professional wins out of 28 fights, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects a balanced skill set and success across multiple major MMA organizations.
Cage Warriors Highlights
Burnell’s Cage Warriors tenure is marked by his featherweight championship win in 2019. He secured the title with a second-round submission and defended his standing with subsequent wins, showcasing his dominance in the European MMA scene.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond Cage Warriors, Burnell has notable wins in Bellator MMA, including a first-round TKO in his debut and multiple unanimous decision victories. His grappling background also includes the 2014 European No-Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu championship.
Mads Burnell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
There is no publicly available detailed information about Burnell’s family background or lineage related to sports.
Personal Life
Burnell maintains a private personal life with no publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children. He resides in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on his MMA career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Mads Burnell is competing in the Professional Fighters League Lightweight Tournament. He faced Jay-Jay Wilson in the quarterfinals in April 2025 but lost via technical knockout. Later in August 2025, he fought Robert Watley at PFL 9, suffering another technical knockout loss. These results indicate a challenging season, but Burnell continues to compete at a high level in one of MMA’s premier organizations.