Mackenzie Dern’s rise through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has captured the attention of mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts around the globe. Known for her exceptional grappling skills, Dern’s recent performance against Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101 highlighted a significant evolution in her fighting prowess. Demonstrating improved striking and tactical acumen, Dern secured a victory with a masterful armbar submission at the very brink of the third round, signaling her readiness to ascend further in the competitive strawweight division.
Evolution in the Octagon: Striking, Submissions, and Strategy
From her initial days in UFC, Dern’s journey has been one of constant growth and self-critique. “I feel like the striking and everything is setting up more of my jiu-jitsu. I feel like when I get a submission, it’s not because I was focusing on being a striker. But I think it means my striking and my takedowns are getting better. It’s giving me more opportunities to still get the fight to the ground,” Dern expressed during the post-fight press conference. Her ability to integrate striking into her game has not only complemented her jiu-jitsu but has also opened new avenues for her to control the fights.
Despite facing tougher opponents and experiencing setbacks in 2021, Dern’s resolve has not wavered. With back-to-back wins over notable competitors like Ribas and Lupita Godinez, she remains a formidable contender within the UFC strawweight category. Her patience and introspective approach to fighting are what she believes will lead her to the championship she covets. “My idea isn’t to go fight for the belt and then lose it fast. My idea is to get the belt, and I want to be a dominant champion, so I’m not in a rush to get there. I want to have good fights, and I want to make a statement,” Dern detailed, shedding light on her strategic approach to her career.
A Potential Title Shot and Future Ambitions
The current strawweight champion, Weili Zhang, is scheduled to defend her title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312. Dern is well aware of the possibilities that could arise from this bout. Her readiness and proximity to a title shot are evident, yet she remains cautious about jumping prematurely into opportunities that may not align with her team’s strategy. “I think definitely my name could be thrown in there if something happens. They’ve called me on short notice before, like with Amanda Lemos, her fight before me was just for the title. So I think definitely I could be thrown in there,” Dern mentioned, acknowledging her readiness while also emphasizing the importance of proper preparation.
Mackenzie Dern’s career in UFC is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her ability to adapt and improve with each fight has not only made her a better fighter but also a serious contender for the UFC strawweight championship. As she continues to refine her skills and strategies, the MMA community eagerly anticipates her next moves, which could very well lead her to the pinnacle of UFC success she has long envisioned.
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