M. Dern was born in the United States, but is the daughter of a Brazilian (Photo: Disclosure/UFC.com)
This Saturday (9th), the UFC 273 has three fighters who are Tupiniquin representatives on the card. Daniel 'Willycat' Santos, Gilbert Durinho e Mackenzie dern – who was born in the city of Phoenix, Arizona (USA). And no, you didn't read it wrong. Although she was born in the United States, she is the daughter of Brazilian Wellington “Megaton” Dias. Therefore, under the terms of the Federal Constitution of Brazil, she has Brazilian citizenship.
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Jiu-jitsu specialist, Mackenzie dern She won seven of her 11 professional MMA career victories through submissions, but the fighter's history with the gentle art began 25 years ago.
Daughter of decorated black belt Wellington “Megaton” Dias, Mackenzie dern He began training at the age of three with his father and stepmother Luciana Tavares, also a black belt in the gentle art. Mackenzie was already competing among adults at the age of 14 and was a world champion in all belts until receiving her father's black belt at the age of 19.
Considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of the gentle art, Mackenzie dern She is the only woman to win gold medals as a black belt in the five main jiu-jitsu competitions in the world. In addition to his achievements wearing the gi, Dern also has two gold medals from the ADCC, the largest no-gi grappling competition in the world.
Start in MMA and arrival in the UFC
Mackenzie dern She debuted in MMA in July 2016, at the age of 23, defeating Kenia Rosas by unanimous decision at Legacy FC. Dern won three more fights at Legacy and one at Invicta before arriving in the UFC, where he won his first two fights.
Moa’s arrival and career resumption
After a few months away from the Octagon and the spotlight, Mackenzie dern announced a break from her MMA career for a special reason: she was pregnant with her first daughter. Like Mackenzie, Moa Dern Santos, daughter of the fighter and Brazilian surfer Wesley Santos, was born in the United States in June 2019.
Four months after the birth of her daughter, Mackenzie dern returned to the octagon and suffered the first defeat of his career, when he faced Amanda ribas. The setback, however, did not shake Mackenzie, who turned things around and scored four consecutive victories in the organization, three of which were by submission in the first round.
Stone on the way and time to resume
In October 2021, the fighter had her big chance against Marina Rodriguez, in the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 40 to get closer to a possible opportunity in the straw belt (up to 52,1kg.). However, what was supposed to be a day of celebration ended in frustration and Dern was defeated by the gaúcha in the unanimous decision of the judges.
But Mackenzie is willing to show that it's time to return to Ultimate. And, on the main card of UFC 273, she measures forces against the veteran Tecia torres. Fifth place in the division ranking led by Rose namajunas, she has a record of 11 positive results and two negative results in her career in mixed martial arts.
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