One of Ultimate's biggest bets for the strawweight division (up to 52,1kg.), Mackenzie dern revealed that he will seek an unprecedented feat within the organization. In conversation with the SUPER FIGHTS on your YouTube channel, the Brazilian-American stated that she intends to become the first 'champion mother' of the event in the future.
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Last year, Dern had to pause her career to give birth to little Moa, who will soon turn one year old. The athlete returned to the octagon a few months later, when she was defeated by Amanda ribas, in August, and, in the last week, rediscovered his path to victory by putting on a real show against Hannah Cifers at UFC Woodley x Durinho. With the positive result, the ambition for the belt returned with a vengeance and the plans to make history continue.
“Now that I've had my first post-baby win, it's a lot more realistic for me. 'It's real, I can be the first champion mother'. So, it really is a goal for me and a dream, actually”, said the athlete.
Fame in jiu-jitsu x UFC promotion
Mackenzie was hired by Ultimate with great prestige. The athlete is known worldwide for being a multiple champion in jiu-jitsu and was undefeated in her MMA career. With that in mind, Dern responded about what she thinks about reaching the largest mixed martial arts organization with its name already in evidence.
“(Fame) ends up helping. It is good. Sponsorship is good. Even if people want to see me lose, it's still good. It's annoying sometimes. After my last defeat, I learned this lesson of not caring so much, but I think that, in the end, it helps a lot. We end up climbing the rankings easier with this help from people, either they like you or they hate you,” she explained.
Best jiu-jitsu among women in Ultimate
Constantly evolving in the sport and using the 'gentle art' as a basis in her fights, the Brazilian-American didn't shy away when asked if she could be considered the best UFC athlete in jiu-jitsu. Mackenzie was emphatic in explaining her opinion.
"Yes. I consider. Before I entered, I had the Ronda Rousey, which is very sinister, has her arm-locks… she is very technical, but, in female jiu-jitsu, I don’t think there is anyone at my level”, he said.
Ground fighting vs standing fighting
Even though he is an 'ace' in jiu-jitsu, Dern has shown great progress in stand-up fighting in his latest challenges. Although his strategy is to take the confrontation to the ground whenever possible, Mackenzie reveals that, inspired by Gilbert Durinho, has taken a liking to 'exchange'.
“I'm a big fan of Durinho. Seeing myself changing is something I've learned now. After I started training, I thought: 'I like hitting too'. It's because we're not afraid of the ground, so we throw everything. If it goes wrong, we’ll go to the ground (laughs).”
Dual nationality: Brazil or USA?
As many know, Mackenzie has dual nationality. Daughter of an American mother and Brazilian father, the fighter confesses that sometimes she is divided when it comes to which side she would choose. However, green and yellow end up 'winning' in the end.
“(The support from Brazilian fans) has always been more genuine. In the United States, I think they didn't like the fact that I was 'shared' (between Brazil and the United States). I always felt this attention from the United States as a little more envious, judging me and even bullying me for the way I speak,” she said.
Ready for the next one
After returning to the path of victories in style. Dern stated that she is ready for the next challenge within the UFC. Uninjured after beating Hannah in the first round, the Brazilian-American said she already wants to negotiate a new fight.
"For sure. I already said that I wanted to fight in June or July now. I think we're planning July 25th, if I'm not mistaken. I'm feeling well. If I receive the call, I will be very happy”, he concluded.
Currently 27 years old, Mackenzie has nine appearances as a professional in MMA. The fighter has eight wins (five by submission) and only one defeat.
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