Mackenzie Dern News
Mackenzie Dern confident she'll submit Yan Xiaonan, eyes Rose Namajunas or the loser of Esparza-Weili next: "It definitely won't be an easy fight"
Cole Shelton - September 27, 2022
Mackenzie Dern is excited to headline another card. Dern is set to headline UFC Vegas 61 against Yan Xiaonan in a crucial fight for the strawweight division. Although Xiaonan is coming off two straight losses, Dern knows she is a tough test and after she defeated Tecia Torres last time out, the American expected this fight to be next.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 95 with Mackenzie Dern, Ben Rothwell, Randy Costa, and John Castaneda
Cole Shelton - September 27, 2022
The 95th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 61 and BKFC 30. We’re first joined by one-half of the main event in fifth-ranked strawweight Mackenzie Dern (2:10). Next, former UFC heavyweight and current BKFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell (18:41) comes on. UFC bantamweight Randy Costa (31:51) then joins the show. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight John Castaneda (50:55).
Mackenzie Dern interested in interim title fight with Weili Zhang: "That would be a great fight"
Josh Evanoff - June 24, 2022
If Carla Esparza isn’t interested in fighting Weili Zhang, Mackenzie Dern would love to. ‘Magnum’ is fresh off a victory over Joanna Jędrzejczyk earlier this month at UFC 275. Following the knockout win, Zhang called for a fight with the champion later this year. While Dana White confirmed that he will make the fight, Esparza later said the challenger will go on her timeline.
UFC 273 Results: Mackenzie Dern defeats Tecia Torres (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - April 9, 2022
Tonight’s UFC 273 main card features a key women’s strawweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Tecia Torres. Dern (11-2 MMA), an accomplished Brazilian black belt and MMA fighter, will be looking to rebound from her loss to Marina Rodriguez last October. The jiu-jitsu ace previously won four straight fights and is regarded as one of the top female grapplers of her generation.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 73 with Alexander Volkanovski, Mackenzie Dern, Ian Garry, Eddie Cha, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Vinc Pichel, and Jared Vanderaa
Cole Shelton - April 5, 2022
The 73rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC 273 and it is stacked. We’re first joined by the UFC’s featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski (3:23). Fifth-ranked strawweight, Mackenzie Dern (26:57) then comes on. UFC welterweight, Ian Garry (42:58) joins the show. Korean Zombie’s head coach, Eddie Cha (1:04:42) then stops by. Eighth-ranked UFC heavyweight, Jairzinho Rozenstruik (1:18:29) then joins the show. UFC lightweight, Vinc Pichel (1:30:45) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC heavyweight, Jared Vanderaa (1:47:37).
UFC 273 adds two marquee matchups including Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres
Susan Cox - January 13, 2022
Two marquee match-ups have been added to April 9th’s UFC 273 event, including Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres. Dern (11-2 MMA) an accomplished Brazilian black belt and MMA fighter is looking to rebound from her loss to Marina Rodriguez last October. The jiu-jitsu ace previously won four straight fights and is regarded as one of the top female grapplers of her generation.
Report | The UFC is targeting two key strawweight fights, including Mackenzie Dern vs Tecia Torres
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2021
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is targeting two strawweight bouts for early next year – including Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres. The strawweight division is one of the most intriguing in the entire promotion and the UFC is well aware of that. From young talent rising up through the ranks to the top 10 all being absolute killers, they’ve got plenty of options ahead of them as 2022 approaches.
Carla Esparza on Marina Rodriguez beating Mackenzie Dern: 'It really solidified me as the No. 1 contender'
Drake Riggs - October 11, 2021
Carla Esparza believes she should be the one rematching Rose Namajunas next – even more so after Mackenzie Dern’s recent loss. This past Saturday’s UFC Vegas 39 main event saw No. 6 ranked strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez score a stout unanimous decision over Dern – leaving the 15-1-2 Brazilian with her lone loss coming to Esparza.
Mackenzie Dern releases statement following loss to Marina Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 39
Adam D Martin - October 10, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern released a statement following her decision loss to Marina Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 39. Dern lost a unanimous decision to Rodriguez in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 39, which was the “Fight of the Night.” It was a fantastic back-and-forth fight between the two 115lbs contenders, but it was Rodriguez who ultimately walked away with the win after out striking her opponent for the majority of the 25 minutes. Although Dern did have some strong points in the fight with her ground game, overall she was beaten to the punch on the feet. Still, it was an awesome fight and Dern gained plenty of respect for her performance in the fight. Despite losing, she went a hard 25 minutes and showed heart.
UFC Vegas 39 Bonus Report: Rodriguez vs. Dern earns FOTN
Chris Taylor - October 9, 2021
The Octagon remained in Nevada for today’s UFC Vegas 39 event, a nine-bout fight card headlined by strawweights Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez. The highly anticipated main event proved to be a classic strikes versus grappler matchup. Marina Rodriguez was able to simply outclass Mackenzie Dern while on the feet, but the jiu-jitsu wizard nearly finished the fight in round three thanks to her submission game. Despite her best efforts Dern could not overcome the striking prowess of Rodriguez and wound up losing the five-round contest on points.
Pros react after Marina Rodriguez defeats Mackenzie Dern at UFC Vegas 39
Chris Taylor - October 9, 2021
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 39 event was headlined by a key women’s strawweight fight featuring Mackenzie Dern taking on Marina Rodriguez. Dern (11-2 MMA) had entered tonight’s main event sporting a four-fight winning streak, her latest being a first round submission victory over Nina Nunes back in April.
UFC Vegas 39 Results: Marina Rodriguez defeats Mackenzie Dern (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - October 9, 2021
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 39 event is headlined by a key women’s strawweight fight featuring Mackenzie Dern taking on Marina Rodriguez. Dern (11-1 MMA) will enter tonight’s main event sporting a four-fight winning streak, her latest being a first round submission victory over Nina Nunes in April.
Mackenzie Dern says she has her eye on Valentina Shevchenko with future flyweight move
Adam D Martin - October 8, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern says she has her eye on Valentina Shevchenko with a future move to the flyweight division. Dern returns to the Octagon this Saturday night when she faces off against Marina Rodriguez in a women’s strawweight bout that serves as the five-round headliner of UFC Vegas 39. For Dern, she is 6-1 in the UFC and she is currently ranked at No. 4 in the 115lbs weight class. If she is able to go out there and beat Rodriguez, there is certainly a chance that Dern could earn herself a title shot. Right now, her goal is to be the best strawweight in the world, so a win over Rodriguez would help get her to the top of the weight class, where the belt is currently held by the 115lbs champion, Rose Namajunas.
Mackenzie Dern promises Marina Rodriguez fight will be better than Johnny Walker vs. Thiago Santos
Adam D Martin - October 7, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern promised the Marina Rodriguez fight will be better than Johnny Walker vs. Thiago Santos. Dern takes on Rodriguez in the five-round women’s 115lbs headliner of this Saturday’s UFC Vegas 39 card. This is an important fight in the division as both Dern and Rodriguez are closing in on a title shot, so an impressive win could very well earn them a crack at the belt. But more than anything, Dern says she just wants to put on a good fight for the fans.
Mackenzie Dern expects to finish Marina Rodriguez and leapfrog Carla Esparza to earn the next title shot
Cole Shelton - October 5, 2021
Mackenzie Dern had a feeling her next fight would be a main event. Dern submitted Nina Nunes in the first round back in April. After that, she was offered two short-notice main event fights. However, they never came to fruition but Dern had a feeling once Rodriguez beat Waterson she would headline a card opposite the Brazilian.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 53 with Mackenzie Dern, Randy Brown, Tim Elliott, Charles Rosa, and Jared Vanderaa
Cole Shelton - October 5, 2021
The 53rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN with Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC Vegas 39. We’re first joined by one-half of the main event in fourth-ranked strawweight, Mackenzie Dern (2:34). Next, UFC welterweight, Randy Brown (18:3) comes on. Ninth-ranked flyweight, Tim Elliott (33:47) then joins the program. UFC featherweight, Charles Rosa (46:57) joins the show. Closing out the program is UFC heavyweight, Jared Vanderaa (1:03:11).
Marina Rodriguez explains why Mackenzie Dern fight isn't happening in July
Adam Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez explained why the proposed Mackenzie Dern fight isn’t happening in July as was expected. Rodriguez is coming off of a big win over Michelle Waterson in her last outing and beat Amanda Ribas by knockout before that, so she’s one of the hottest fighters at 115lbs right now. Similarly, Dern has been red hot as of late with a four-fight win streak including a submission over Nina Nunes in her last fight. With both Rodriguez and Dern ranked in the top-10 of the division, UFC president Dana White recently said that the promotion was planning on having these two women headline a UFC Fight Night card on July 21.
Mackenzie Dern says Marina Rodriguez fight isn't done despite Dana White announcing it
Adam D Martin - May 26, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern says the Marina Rodriguez fight isn’t done despite UFC president Dana White announcing it. White revealed last week that the UFC is targeting a matchup between Dern and Rodriguez, two of the top-10 women’s strawweights in the world. However, Dern says that the fight isn’t done just yet. Speaking to AG Fight, Dern said that the UFC has offered her the fight with Rodriguez as the main event for the July 31 UFC Fight Night card. However, Dern said that Rodriguez isn’t ready to fight on that date, and Dern hopes she gets someone else as her ambitious plan includes fighting someone in July and then fighting again in September.