Mackenzie Dern is arguably the most exciting women’s mixed martial arts prospect since Ronda Rousey, and the jiu-jitsu ace will be looking to continue her undefeated reign as she prepares for her sophomore appearance inside of the Octagon at UFC 224 on Saturday, May 12. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt and multiple time world champion will take on Amanda Bobby Cooper at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dern currently carries a perfect 6-0 record.
The 24-year-old is the daughter of Wellington “Megaton” Dias, who is a highly-regarded grappler. Her father and stepmother, Luciana Tavares, who is also a black belt, began training Dern when she was just three-years-old. She was previously ranked the No. 1 IBJJF competitor in the world.
Dern won the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in 2015 and 2016, while also claiming the Pan Jiu Jitsu championship and World Cup gold in the same years. She previously won the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship and Nogi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship when she was at the peak of her career on the mat.
In her UFC debut, Dern earned a split decision victory over Ashley Yoder. It was the second time in her career that a fight when to the judge’s scorecards, with the other four wins coming by way of submission.
She proved early in her career that her grappling transitions to MMA with an incredible Imanari choke submission which she had previously used to win the World Championships.
Dern has the talent and looks to become a star in the UFC, so it is just up to her to continue piling up the victories inside of the cage.