Mads Burnell is a name synonymous with elite grappling and technical brilliance in the world of mixed martial arts.
Hailing from Denmark, Burnell has carved out a respectable career across major global promotions including the UFC, Bellator, and most recently, the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess and his stoic demeanor inside the cage, he continues to be a formidable competitor in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
In this article, you will know Mads Burnell’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Mads Burnell’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mads Burnell |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Birthplace | Husum, Denmark |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight Class | Featherweight / Lightweight |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | ~$1 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$500,000+ (Estimated) |
| Affiliation | Arte Suave / Xtreme Couture |
| Instagram Profile | @madsburnell |
Early Career
Mads Burnell began his martial arts journey in his native Denmark, focusing heavily on grappling. He quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy on the mats, earning his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age.
His grappling accolades include winning the European No-Gi Championship in 2014, a testament to his high-level ground game.
He transitioned to professional MMA in 2013, fighting primarily on the European circuit. He amassed an impressive 8-1 record, showcasing his submission skills by finishing opponents with chokes that would later become his trademark.
His success in regional promotions like SOMMA and Octagon Athletes caught the attention of the UFC, leading to his signing with the premier organization in 2017.
Professional Career
Mads Burnell’s professional career has been a tour of the world’s biggest cages. His UFC tenure (2017-2018) was brief but highlighted his technical ability, notably in a dominant performance against Mike Santiago.
However, after a tough loss to Arnold Allen, he was surprisingly released. Far from discouraged, Burnell reinvented himself in Cage Warriors, where he captured the Featherweight title with a spectacular Japanese necktie submission over Dean Trueman in 2019.
This success propelled him to Bellator MMA, where he became a top contender. He went on a winning streak, defeating formidable opponents like Saul Rogers and Emmanuel Sanchez.
In 2024, Burnell moved to the PFL (Professional Fighters League) to compete in the lightweight season. He secured a notable victory over Clay Collard in the main event of PFL 5 via unanimous decision.
His 2025 season in the PFL saw him enter the Lightweight Tournament, where he faced tough challenges, including a quarterfinal bout against Jay-Jay Wilson. Despite recent setbacks, his record of 20-7 proves he remains a dangerous veteran capable of beating anyone on his night.
Mads Burnell’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Mads Burnell’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his fight purses across multiple major organizations, sponsorship deals, and performance bonuses.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event / Organization | Result | Est. Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Collard | PFL 5 (2024) | Win (UD) | ~$40,000 – $80,000 |
| Emmanuel Sanchez | Bellator 263 | Win (UD) | ~$52,000 (Show + Win) |
| Jay-Jay Wilson | PFL 3 (2025) | Loss (TKO) | ~$25,000 – $30,000 |
| Arnold Allen | UFC Fight Night 130 | Loss (Sub) | ~$14,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Organization | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | PFL | ~$100,000+ |
| 2021-2023 | Bellator | ~$150,000+ |
| 2019-2020 | Cage Warriors / Bellator | ~$60,000 |
| Total Career | All Promotions | ~$500,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 27 |
| Wins | 20 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Submission Wins | 9 (Japanese Necktie, D’Arce, etc.) |
| Decision Wins | 10 |
| UFC Record | 1-2 |
FAQs
1. Is Mads Burnell still in the UFC?
No, Mads Burnell is no longer in the UFC. He was released in 2018. Since then, he has competed in Cage Warriors, Bellator, and currently fights in the PFL (Professional Fighters League).
2. What is Mads Burnell’s fighting style?
Mads Burnell is primarily known for his elite grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is famous for his creative submissions, including the Japanese necktie and D’Arce choke.
3. Did Mads Burnell win a championship?
Yes, Mads Burnell is a former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. He won the title in 2019 by submitting Dean Trueman.
4. Where is Mads Burnell from?
Mads Burnell is from Husum, Denmark. He is one of the most successful Danish mixed martial artists in history.
5. What is Mads Burnell’s net worth?
Mads Burnell’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This comes from his fight purses in major organizations like Bellator and PFL.
