An emotional and historic moment will unfold at the Evecon Raju 20 mixed martial arts event, as Pärnu-born fighter Madis “The Viking” Mäeste steps into the cage for the final fight of his professional career.
A fighter known for his uncompromising and spectacular style
Pärnu’s pride and joy, 37-year-old Madis Mäeste, is known for his uncompromising, aggressive, and spectacular fighting style. Not a single one of his professional career fights has ended in a judges’ decision, meaning the outcome of the fight has always been decided before the final bell, always giving the audience adrenaline-filled moments. Mäeste’s last two opponents in the professional cage were strong, which proved his readiness to always put himself to the test.
An impressive amateur career
Before turning professional, “the Viking” had an impressive and dominant amateur career, amassing 19 wins and only 2 losses. Of those, as many as 15 wins came by finish, the majority of which were submissions. On the international stage, he successfully represented Estonia at the 2019 IMMAF European Championships, where, in strong competition, he achieved 9th–16th place with one win and one loss.
In Madis Mäeste’s own words
“It’s been an incredible journey, but every chapter comes to an end at some point,” said Madis Mäeste ahead of his final fight. “Coming into the cage for Raju’s anniversary event to do my so-called last dance – it’s the best way to wrap things up. I want to thank all the fans who have supported me this whole time and shared these emotions with me. I promise I’ll leave everything I have to give in the cage in this last fight, and I’ll do it exactly the way I should. I don’t want to see a judges’ decision this time either.”
Photos: Press day photos, Raul Mee
As co-founder of the sports club Invicta, Mäeste plans to spend many more years alongside mixed martial arts. “I’ll keep supporting our athletes for as long as my legs carry me. It’s just that now people will see me in a new role at major competitions, outside the cage. Going forward, I’ll be able to channel the time and energy freed up from my professional career, alongside Henri Hiiemäe and Kristina Nisu, into developing the club and nurturing future stars,” Mäeste added.
The organizer calls it a milestone moment
According to the event’s chief organizer, Madis Mäeste’s retirement from professional sport is sad news for his fans, but the positive side is that he isn’t going anywhere as far as the Estonian mixed martial arts community is concerned.
“Madis is a fighter the audience has always loved, because his style has been ruthless and attractive from the very start,” said Evecon Raju chief organizer Ott Tõnissaar. “His professional career statistics – not a single judges’ decision – speak for themselves. He’s a man who always goes for the finish. This is a landmark moment for Estonian MMA, and I’m greatly honored that he chose to hang up his gloves right at the Raju 20 anniversary event. I’d like to call on all of the Viking’s fans to give him a fitting send-off this autumn.”
“Evecon Raju 20 promises to be the most anticipated combat sports event of the year, bringing Estonia’s best fighters into the cage and delivering fights that will go down in the country’s sporting history. Madis Mäeste’s final appearance in the professional cage will undoubtedly be one of the most emotional moments of the night,” Tõnissaar added.
Final opponent
Mäeste’s final opponent is 31-year-old Swede Niclas Pedersen (0:2).
