M. Dern in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
One of the main Brazilian names in the straw division (up to 52,1kg) of Ultimate, Mackenzie dern is back in the Octagon this Saturday (30) at UFC Woodley x Durinho. After being defeated in an even fight against Amanda ribas, in October last year, and losing her unbeaten record in her career, the athlete states that she arrives calmer for the confrontation against Hannah Cifers this weekend. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, Dern spoke about this weekend's commitment.
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“I didn’t want to waste any time, but I think everyone does. (When you're undefeated) sometimes, in the middle of the fight, you're afraid of being knocked out, getting hurt or something like that and now you won't be. The desire to no longer feel that taste of defeat is much stronger than that fear”, explained the fighter.
Knowing that she will face an opponent who is known for her knockout power, Mackenzie believes that the confrontation runs the risk of being fought entirely on her feet. With this in mind, the athlete and her team devised a strategy so that the Brazilian is not surprised in the confrontation against Cifers.
“I believe that the entire (training) camp of anyone who fights me will be (based on) takedown defense, so as not to go to the ground. It's very difficult to put someone on the ground when the opponent is very focused on this defense. So I'm training my 'striking' a lot, not because I want to be a 'striker'. I want my jiu-jitsu, but I need something to distract the person and be able to enter more cleanly. I think that in this case of someone afraid of my game, one day (my first) knockout will come,” said Dern.
The fighter, who became a mother last year, revealed that she intends to become more active within Ultimate. With three presentations within the company since her debut in 2018, the fighter wants to continue her journey towards the top of the division.
“If I win, I would like to fight three more times this year. As long as I'm not hurt, I'm not pregnant, I want to fight (laughs),” she said.
Mackenzie was also asked if she had any opponents in mind if she had a positive result against Hannah this weekend. Even without a name, the strawweight explained that she has a profile for her next rival.
“I wanted to change a little, but someone who would put me in the rankings. I know I can beat anyone in the category”, said the fighter.
Finally, the American-Brazilian described the perfect scenario for her duel against Cifers. Obviously thinking about victory, Mackenzie envisions an end precisely in his specialty: jiu-jitsu.
“A takedown, going to the back and finishing (laughs)”, concluded the combatant.
This Saturday, Dern will reach the mark of nine fights since turning professional in MMA. Multi-time jiu-jitsu champion, the fighter currently has seven wins (four by submission) and only one setback.
Opponent of the American-Brazilian, Hannah reaches her 15th appearance. The North American has 10 triumphs and four setbacks.
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