Mackenzie Dern

Dern was born in Arizona, the daughter of Megaton Dias, a highly decorated grappling competitor.{{cite web|url=http://extra.globo.com/esporte/campea-mundial-de-jiu-jitsu-mackenzie-dern-estreia-com-vitoria-no-mma-19773773.html|title=Campeã mundial de jiu-jítsu, Mackenzie Dern estreia com vitória no MMA|access-date=25 December 2017}} As a child, she grew up travelling back and forth between Arizona and her father's native Brazil.{{cite web|url=http://mackenziedern.com/bio/|title=Bio|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821135648/http://mackenziedern.com/bio/|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=dead}} Dern is fluent in English and Portuguese. She has stated that Portuguese has become her primary language, explaining that "my dad and stepmom are both Brazilian. My boyfriend speaks Portuguese. I'm speaking Portuguese more than English. I still have lots of interactions in English of course. But I think in Portuguese, anything to do with fight is all in Portuguese in my mind, I dream in Portuguese."https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXOBhwhVQAA8UV4.jpg:large {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}

Dern began training by the age of three and practicing with her father and stepmother who is also a black belt, Luciana Tavares. Mackenzie started competing at a young age, and began competing in the adult divisions at 14 years old. She has won a world championship in every belt level as she progressed to black belt rank, and at brown belt she defeated a male Judo black belt on Japanese TV.{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Throwback: Mackenzie Dern Competes Against Male Judo Black Belt |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/throwback-mackenzie-dern-competes-against-male-judo-black-belt/ |website=Jitsmagazine |access-date=20 July 2024}} She was then promoted to black belt by her father in December 2012, three months prior to her 20th birthday.{{cite news|title=Megaton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Belt List|url=http://www.teammegaton.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=13|access-date=2015-11-06}}{{cite news|title= Mackenzie Dern Biography|work= BJJ Heroes|url= http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/mackenzie-dern|access-date=2015-11-06}} She graduated from Ironwood High School in Glendale, Arizona.{{cite web|title=Mackenzie Dern Bio|url=http://mackenziedern.com/bio/|access-date=2016-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821135648/http://mackenziedern.com/bio/|archive-date=2018-08-21|url-status=dead}}

Due to her six 1st place finishes at the Asian Open, Mackenzie is the only female Jiu-Jitsu competitor to have won Gold Medals, at Black Belt level, at each of the 5 principal/highest ranking IBJJF Gi Championships - the other events are the Worlds, the Euros, the Pan Ams and the Brazilian Nationals. One of her biggest achievements in BJJ came when she managed to defeat Gabi Garcia despite a huge weight difference, becoming one of the few women to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/four-of-the-greatest-giant-killers-in-bjj/|title = Four of the Greatest Giant Killers in BJJ|date = 20 August 2020}}

Dern was scheduled to make her mixed martial arts debut against Kenia Rosas at Legacy FC 58.{{cite web |last1=War Tribe Media |title=Meet Kenia Rosas, the MMA fighter that will fight BJJ champion Mackenzie Dern at Legacy 58 |url=https://wartribegear.com/meet-kenia-rosas-the-mma-fighter-that-will-fight-bjj-champion-mackenzie-dern-at-legacy-58/ |website=wartribegear.com |date=19 July 2016 |access-date=9 April 2021}} She won her debut by unanimous decision.{{cite web |title=Mackenzie Dern Wins Her MMA Debut! [Video] |url=https://wbbjj.com/mackenzie-dern-wins-her-mma-debut-video/ |website=wbbjj.com |date=23 July 2016 |access-date=9 April 2021}}

Dern was scheduled to fight Montana De La Rosa at Legacy FC 61. The bout was initially scheduled to be contested at strawweight, but was later changed to catchweight, as Dern missed weight by 2.8 lbs.{{cite web |last1=Fight Sports |title=Mackenzie Dern Misses Weight |url=https://www.fightsports.tv/mackenzie-dern-misses-weight/ |website=fightsports.tv |date=14 October 2016 |access-date=9 April 2021}} She won the fight by a first round submission.{{cite web |last1=Francescutti |first1=Mark |title=The next Ronda Rousey is 2-0 after another win |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2016/10/15/the-next-ronda-rousey-is-2-0-after-another-win/ |website=dallasnews.com |date=15 October 2016 |access-date=9 April 2021}}

Dern was scheduled to fight Katherine Roy at LFA 6. Dern came in overweight for the second time in a row, missing weight by four pounds, and had to forfeit 20% of her purse.{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Dan |title=Mackenzie Dern is unable to make Strawweight for the second time in three fights |url=https://www.mikeswick.com/dern-misses-weight/ |website=mikeswick.com |date=10 March 2017 |access-date=9 April 2021}} She won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web |last1=Quiles Jr. |first1=Fernando |title=Mackenzie Dern Isn't Satisfied With Her Performance Against Katherine Roy |url=https://www.mmanews.com/2017/03/mackenzie-dern-isnt-satisfied-with-her-performance-against-katherine-roy/ |website=mmanews.com |date=26 March 2017 |access-date=9 April 2021}}

Dern moved up to flyweight for her fourth professional fight, being scheduled to fight Mandy Polk at LFA 24.{{cite web |last1=Critchfield |first1=Tristen |title=Mackenzie Dern Moves Up to 125 Pounds, Meets Mandy Polk at LFA 24 in Phoenix |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Mackenzie-Dern-Moves-Up-to-125-Pounds-Meets-Mandy-Polk-at-LFA-24-in-Phoenix-127031 |website=sherdog.com |date=19 September 2017 |access-date=9 April 2021}} She beat Polk by a first-round rear-naked choke.{{cite web |last1=Al-Shatti |first1=Shaun |title=LFA 24 results: Mackenzie Dern smashes Mandy Polk, Curtis Millender KOs Matthew Frincu |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/10/13/16474812/lfa-24-results-mackenzie-dern-smashes-mandy-polk-curtis-millender-kos-matthew-frincu |website=mmafighting.com |date=13 October 2017 |access-date=9 April 2021}}

After going 4–0 in her first four professional fights, Dern signed with Invicta Fighting Championship in November 2017.{{cite web |last1=Al-Shatti |first1=Shaun |title=Top prospect Mackenzie Dern signs with Invicta FC |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/11/13/16644992/top-prospect-mackenzie-dern-signs-with-invicta-fc |website=mmafighting.com |date=13 November 2017 |access-date=9 April 2021}}

Dern made her Invicta debut on December 8, 2017, at Invicta FC 26: Maia vs. Niedzwiedz against Kaline Medeiros.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/mackenzie-dern-signs-with-invicta-fc-meets-kaline-medeiros-in-kansas-city|title=Mackenzie Dern signs with Invicta FC, meets Kaline Medeiros in Kansas City|date=2017-11-13|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-12-25|language=en-US}} She won the fight via an armbar in round three.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/12/8/16755174/mackenzie-dern-scores-armbar-win-over-kaline-medeiros-at-invicta-fc-26|title=VIDEO: Mackenzie Dern scores armbar win over Kaline Medeiros at Invicta FC 26|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2017-12-25}}

Dern made her promotional debut against Ashley Yoder on March 3, 2018, at UFC 222.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/1/1/16838746/ufc-mackenzie-dern-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-world-championship-black-belt-debut-ashley-yoder-mma-news|title=BJJ ace Mackenzie Dern hooks March UFC debut|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-01-02}} She won the fight via split decision.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2018/03/ufc-222-results-mackenzie-dern-gets-past-ashley-yoder-split-decision-mma|title=UFC 222 results: Mackenzie Dern gets past gritty Ashley Yoder to win highly anticipated debut|date=2018-03-04|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-03-04|language=en-US}}

Dern faced Amanda Cooper on May 12, 2018 at UFC 224.{{cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/3/14/17122570/mackenzie-dern-vs-amanda-cooper-slated-for-ufc-224|title=Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Cooper slated for UFC 224|website=mmafighting.com|author=Shaun Al-Shatti|date=2018-03-14|access-date=2018-03-14}} At the weigh-ins, Dern weighed in at 123 pounds, 7 pounds over the strawweight non-title fight upper limit of 116 pounds. As a result, the bout proceeded at catchweight and Dern was fined 30% of her purse.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/5/11/17343834/ufc-224-weigh-in-results-mackenzie-dern-misses-strawweight-limit-by-seven-pounds|title=UFC 224 weigh-in results: Mackenzie Dern misses strawweight limit by seven pounds|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-05-11}} Dern won the fight via submission through a rear naked choke in the first round.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/ufc-224-results-mackenzie-dern-right-hand-drops-amanda-cooper-quick-choke-finishes-the-job|title=UFC 224 results: Mackenzie Dern right hand drops Amanda Cooper, quick choke finishes the job|date=2018-05-13|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-05-13|language=en-US}}

After a hiatus from maternity leave, Dern faced Amanda Ribas on October 12, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/mackenzie-dern-returns-at-ufc-on-espn-19-vs-amanda-ribas/|title=Mackenzie Dern Returns at UFC on ESPN+ 19 vs. Amanda Ribas|last=Aidoo|first=Clyde|date=2019-07-30|website=MMA News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-10}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/10/12/ufc-tampa-results-amanda-ribas/|title=UFC Tampa Results: Amanda Ribas Dominates Mackenzie Dern|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2019-10-12|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-13}}

Dern was expected to face Ariane Carnelossi on April 25, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 173.{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/mackenzie-dern-volta-ao-octogono-para-enfrentar-ariane-sorriso-no-ufc-lincoln.ghtml|title=Mackenzie Dern returns to the Octagon to face Ariane Sorriso at UFC Lincoln|website=sportv.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2020-01-27|access-date=2020-01-27}} {{in lang|pt}} Carnelossi was forced to withdraw from the bout due to travel restriction.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/hannah-cifers-nieuwe-tegenstandster-van-mackenzie-dern-op-25-april-aanstaande/|title=Hannah Cifers nieuwe tegenstandster van Mackenzie Dern op 25 april aanstaande|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=9 April 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-10}}

Dern was scheduled to face Hannah Cifers on April 25, 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/hannah-cifers-nieuwe-tegenstandster-van-mackenzie-dern-op-25-april-aanstaande/|title=Hannah Cifers nieuwe tegenstandster van Mackenzie Dern op 25 april aanstaande|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=9 April 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-10}} However, on April 9 the promotion announced that this event was postponed.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}} The pairing eventually took place on May 30, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns.{{Cite journal|title=Eysschen van zijn koninglijke hoogheyd van Savoye, voor de aanstaande generale vrede|doi=10.1163/2214-8264_dutchpamphlets-kb1-kb18858}} Dern won the fight with a first round kneebar - becoming the first woman to finish a fight by any form of leg lock in UFC history.{{Cite web|title=UFC Vegas Results: Mackenzie Dern Makes History With Kneebar Submission of Hannah Cifers|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/05/30/ufc-vegas-results-mackenzie-dern-submits-hannah-cifers/|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2020-05-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31}} This win also earned her her first Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|title=UFC Las Vegas bonuses: Dern's record-setting kneebar wins POTN|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/5/31/21275717/ufc-las-vegas-post-fight-bonuses-derns-record-setting-kneebar-wins-potn|last=Haynes|first=Stephie|date=2020-05-31|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en|access-date=2020-05-31}}

Dern faced Randa Markos on September 19, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 178.{{Cite web|title=Ultimate marca Mackenzie Dern x Randa Markos para o UFC 253, no dia 19 de setembro|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-marca-mackenzie-dern-x-randa-markos-para-o-ufc-253-no-dia-19-de-setembro.ghtml|access-date=2020-07-10|website=Globoesporte|date=9 July 2020 |language=pt-br}} She won the fight via submission in the first round.{{cite web|title=Mackenzie Dern Submits Randa Markos via Armbar In Round One|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/mackenzie-dern-submits-randa-markos-via-armbar-in-round-one/|publisher=LowKick MMA|date=September 19, 2020|access-date=September 19, 2020|first=Ryan|last=Galloway}} This win earned her her second straight Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-20|title=UFC on ESPN+ 36 Bonuses: Four Fighters Get Performance Checks|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-on-espn-36-bonuses-four-fighters-get-performance-checks/|access-date=2020-09-20|website=MMA News|language=en-US}}

Dern faced Virna Jandiroba on December 12, 2020 at UFC 256.{{Cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Gabriel|date=2020-10-09|title=Mackenzie Dern vs Virna Jandiroba Added to UFC 256|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/09/mackenzie-dern-vs-virna-jandiroba-added-ufc-256/|access-date=2020-10-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} Dern won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2020-12-12|title=UFC 256 Results: Mackenzie Dern Wins Unexpected Slugfest Against Virna Jandiroba|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/12/12/ufc-256-results-mackenzie-dern/|access-date=2020-12-13|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Dern faced Nina Nunes on April 10, 2021 at UFC on ABC 2.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-01-13|title=Mackenzie Dern treft Nina Nunes op 10 april|url=https://mmadna.nl/mackenzie-dern-treft-nina-ansaroff-op-10-april/|access-date=2021-01-13|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} She won the bout via first round armbar.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=2021-04-10|title=UFC Vegas 23 Results: Mackenzie Dern Quickly Submits Nina Nunes|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/04/10/ufc-vegas-23-results-mackenzie-dern/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This win earned her a Performance of the Night award.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-abc-2-bonuses-mackenzie-derns-armbar-finish-earns-her-50000|title=UFC on ABC 2 bonuses: Mackenzie Dern's armbar finish earns her $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2021-04-10|access-date=2021-04-10}}

Dern faced Marina Rodriguez on October 9, 2021 on UFC Fight Night 194.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-09|title=Marina Rodriguez vs. Mackenzie Dern headlines UFC Fight in October|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/07/ufc-news-marina-rodriguez-mackenzie-dern-main-event-fight-night-october-strawweight|access-date=2021-07-09|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} She lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-10-09|title=UFC Vegas 39 Results: Marina Rodriguez Fends Off Mackenzie Dern, Wins Decision|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/10/09/ufc-vegas-39-results-mackenzie-dern-vs-marina-rodriguez/|access-date=2021-10-09|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-09|title=UFC Fight Night 194 bonuses: Women sweep extra $50,000 checks in Las Vegas|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-194-bonuses-marina-rodriguez-mackenzie-dern-mariya-agapova-loopy-godinez-all-women-mma|access-date=2021-10-10|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}

Dern faced Tecia Torres on April 9, 2022 at UFC 273.{{Cite web|last=Hannoun|first=Farah|date=2022-01-12|title=Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres booked for UFC 273 on April 9|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/01/ufc-273-mackenzie-dern-vs-tecia-torres-booked-april-9|access-date=2022-01-12|website=MMa Junkie|language=en-US}} Dern defeated Torres in a close bout by split decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-04-09 |title=UFC 273 Results: Mackenzie Dern Earns Key Win in Thrilling Fight with Tecia Torres |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/04/09/ufc-273-results-mackenzie-dern-vs-tecia-torres/ |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Dern faced Yan Xiaonan on October 1, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 211.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/07/ufc-news-mackenzie-dern-yan-xiaonan-headline-october-1-fight-night|title=Mackenzie Dern vs. Yan Xiaonan headlines October UFC Fight Night event|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura and Mike Bohn|date=2022-07-08|access-date=2022-07-08}} She lost the bout via majority decision.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-10-01 |title=UFC Vegas 61: Yan Xiaonan Survives Ground Game of Mackenzie Dern, Wins Majority Decision |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/10/01/ufc-vegas-61-mackenzie-dern-vs-yan-xiaonan/ |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Dern was scheduled to face Angela Hill on May 13, 2023 at UFC on ABC 4.{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2023-02-21 |title=Mackenzie Dern vs. Angela Hill added to May 13 UFC event |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/21/23609657/mackenzie-dern-vs-angela-hill-added-to-may-13-ufc-event |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} However, the bout was instead moved back one week to headline UFC Fight Night 223.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/05/ufc-fight-night-224-mackenzie-dern-vs-angela-hill-rescheduled-headliner|title=Mackenzie Dern vs. Angela Hill shifts from UFC on ABC 4 to UFC Fight Night 224 headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Samano|date=2023-05-08|access-date=2023-05-08}} She won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-05-20 |title=UFC Vegas 73: Mackenzie Dern Lays Stunning Beatdown on Gritty Angela Hill |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/05/20/ufc-vegas-73-mackenzie-dern-vs-angela-hill/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-224-bonuses-diego-ferrieras-crushing-ko-among-four-50000-winners|title=UFC Fight Night 224 bonuses: Diego Ferriera's crushing KO among four $50,000 winners|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells|date=2023-05-20|access-date=2023-05-20}}

Dern faced former UFC Strawweight Champion Jéssica Andrade on November 11, 2023 at UFC 295.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Sabrina |title=Mackenzie Dern v Jessica Andrade Booked For UFC 295 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mackenzie-dern-v-jessica-andrade-booked-for-ufc-295/ |website=Jitsmagazine |access-date=24 August 2023}} She lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the second round.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-11-12 |title=UFC 295: Jessica Andrade Knocks Down Mackenzie Dern Four Times in TKO Victory |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/11/11/ufc-295-jessica-andrade-mackenzie-dern/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Dern faced Amanda Lemos, replacing Tatiana Suarez, on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298.{{Cite web |last=Newswire |first=MMA Fighting |date=2024-01-16 |title=Tatiana Suarez out of UFC 298, Mackenzie Dern now faces Amanda Lemos |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/1/16/24040758/tatiana-suarez-out-of-ufc-298-mackenzie-dern-now-faces-amanda-lemos |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} Dern lost by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/02/17/ufc-298-amanda-lemos-puts-beating-on-gutsy-mackenzie-dern/|title=UFC 298: Amanda Lemos Puts Beating on Gutsy Mackenzie Dern|publisher=casesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-02-17|access-date=2024-02-17}} This fight earned her another Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/2/18/24075896/official-bonus-winners-results-ufc-298-ppv-espn-volkanovski-topuria|title=Bonuses! Ilia Topuria cleans up, banks $50K for title fight KO - UFC 298|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2024-02-18|access-date=2024-02-18}}

Dern faced Loopy Godinez on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-05-29 |title=Nick Diaz returns, Tony Ferguson moves to welterweight at UFC Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/29/24167047/nick-diaz-returns-tony-ferguson-moves-to-welterweight-at-ufc-abu-dhabi |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} She won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/03/ufc-abu-dhabi-mackenzie-dern-returns-to-win-column-gets-past-loopy-godinez/|title=UFC Abu Dhabi: Mackenzie Dern Returns to Win Column, Gets Past Loopy Godinez|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-08-03|access-date=2024-08-03}}

Dern was scheduled to face Amanda Ribas in a rematch on December 14, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 63.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Report-Amanda-RibasMackenzie-Dern-Rematch-Set-for-UFC-Tampa-on-Dec-14-194688|title=Report: Amanda Ribas-Mackenzie Dern Rematch Set for UFC Tampa on Dec. 14|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Sayan Nag|date=2024-08-19|access-date=2024-08-19}} However, the bout was moved for unknown reasons to January 11, 2025 in order to serve as the main event at UFC Fight Night 249.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/12/3/24312526/swerve-mackenzie-dern-vs-amanda-ribas-2-promoted-to-ufc-vegas-101-main-event-not-ufc-tampa|title=Swerve! Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2 promoted to UFC Vegas 101 main event (not UFC Tampa)|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Alexander Behunin|date=2024-12-03|access-date=2024-12-03}} Dern won the fight via an armbar submission at the end of the third round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/01/11/ufc-vegas-101-mackenzie-dern-avenges-loss-submits-amanda-ribas/|title=UFC Vegas 101: Mackenzie Dern Avenges Loss, Submits Amanda Ribas|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2025-01-11|access-date=2025-01-11}} This fight earned her another Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/ufc-vegas-101-bonus-report-mackenzie-dern-one-of-four-fighters-to-take-home-50k/|title=UFC Vegas 101 Bonus Report: Mackenzie Dern one of four fighters to take home $50k|publisher=bjpenn.com|author=Chris Taylor|date=2025-01-11|access-date=2025-01-11}}

After 7 years away from the sport, Dern announced her return to professional grappling competition in 2024.{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Mackenzie Dern Announces Planned Return To Jiu Jitsu In 2024 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mackenzie-dern-announces-planned-return-to-jiu-jitsu-in-2024/ |website=Jitsmagazine |access-date=21 March 2024}} She was subsequently invited to compete in the under 55 kg division of the 2024 ADCC World Championship.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Sabrina |title=Mackenzie Dern Given Surprise Invite To ADCC 2024 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mackenzie-dern-given-surprise-invite-to-adcc-2024/ |website=Jitsmagazine |access-date=21 March 2024}}

Dern withdrew from the 2024 ADCC World Championship, and instead competed against 2022 ADCC world champion Ffion Davies in a superfight at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational on August 17, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Mackenzie Dern Booked Against Ffion Davies At Craig Jones Invitational |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mackenzie-dern-booked-against-ffion-davies-at-craig-jones-invitational/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=18 June 2024 |access-date=20 June 2024}} Dern lost the match by submission due to an armbar.{{cite web |title=Craig Jones Invitational 2024 Live Results, Play-by-play, Analysis, Highlights, More |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/craig-jones-invitational-2024-live-results-play-by-play-analysis-highlights-more/ |website=Jitsmagazine |access-date=18 August 2024}}

Dern was married to professional surfer Wesley Santos.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/8/26/20812549/mackenzie-dern-motherhood-ufc-fight-amanda-ribas-mma|title=Mackenzie Dern doesn't expect weight issues for Amanda Ribas fight months after daughter's birth|author=Guilherme Cruz|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=August 26, 2019}} They separated in 2022.Nahta, Sudeep (November 15, 2022) [https://www.sportsmanor.com/ufc-news-i-am-single-mackenzie-dern-confirms-split-with-ex-husband-wesley-santos/ “I Am Single” – Mackenzie Dern Confirms Split With Ex-Husband Wesley Santos]. Sportsmanor After going through divorce proceedings, Dern publicly accused Santos of physical abuse.{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Mackenzie Dern Opens Up About Divorce, Alleges Physical Abuse |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/mackenzie-dern-opens-up-about-divorce-alleges-physical-abuse/ |website=JitsMagazine |access-date=25 May 2023}}

In February 2019, Dern announced that she had put her MMA career on hold due to pregnancy. Her daughter was born on June 9, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/ufc-mackenzie-dern-announces-baby-girl-birth-instagram|title=UFC's Mackenzie Dern announces birth of baby girl on Instagram|date=June 10, 2019|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}

According to Dern, she left Black House MMA after a reported incident concerning her original coach, Juan Gomez, where he got into a physical altercation with her husband over a disagreement about money. However, Gomez disputed money being the reason and subsequently both Dern and Gomez were asked to leave the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/9/18/21444587/coach-juan-gomez-gives-his-story-after-scrap-with-mackenzie-derns-husband-in-the-end-i-lost-a-friend|title=Coach Juan Gomez gives his side of story after scrap with Mackenzie Dern's husband: 'In the end, I lost a friend'|date=September 18, 2020|publisher=mmafighting.com|author= Lee, Alexander K.}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Performance of the Night (Four times) {{small|vs. Hannah Cifers, Randa Markos, Nina Ansaroff and Amanda Ribas 2}}
• Fight of the Night (Three times) {{small| vs. Marina Rodriguez, Angela Hill and Amanda Lemos}}
• Second most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (7)
• Tied (Ronda Rousey) for second most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Women's history (7) (behind Jéssica Andrade)
• Most submission wins in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (5)
• Most submission attempts in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (16){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=WSW|title=UFC Statistics - UFC Women's Strawweight Division|date=January 11, 2025|work=UFC.com|author=UFC.com}}
• Second most submission wins in UFC Women's history (5){{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-abc-2-post-event-facts-marvin-vettori-takedown-record-kevin-holland|title=UFC on ABC 2 post-event facts: Marvin Vettori sets takedown record|author=Mike Bohn|date=April 11, 2021|work=MMAjunkie.com}} (behind Gillian Robertson)
• Tied (Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Carla Esparza, Jéssica Andrade & Zhang Weili) for third most wins in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (10)
• Tied (Rose Namajunas & Amanda Lemos) for second most finishes in UFC Women's Strawweight division history (5)
• UFC Honors Awards
• 2020: Fan's Choice Submission of the Year Nominee {{small|vs. Hannah Cifers}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/honors/fans-choice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610211636/https://www.ufc.com/honors/fans-choice|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-06-10|title=UFC Honors 2020 Fan's Choice Awards (have to copy data fast)|publisher=ufc.com|author=UFC Staff|date=2020-03-10|access-date=2025-01-13}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2018: Ranked #3 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-10-newcomers-2018|title=The Top 10 Newcomers of 2018|date=22 December 2018|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2020: Ranked #2 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Hannah Cifers}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/2020-awards-10-best-submissions-lipski-dern-khabib-sterling|title=The 10 Best Submissions of 2020|date=24 December 2020|first=Thomas|last=Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}

{{MMArecordbox

|ko-wins=

|sub-wins=8

|dec-wins=7

|ko-losses=1

|sub-losses=

|dec-losses=4

|draws=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–5

|Amanda Ribas

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2

|{{dts|2025|January|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:56

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–5

|Loopy Godinez

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov

|{{dts|2024|August|3}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–5

|Amanda Lemos

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 298

|{{dts|2024|February|17}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Anaheim, California, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–4

|Jéssica Andrade

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 295

|{{dts|2023|November|11}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:15

|New York City, New York, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–3

|Angela Hill

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill

|{{dts|2023|May|20}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|12–3

|Yan Xiaonan

|Decision (majority)

|UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan

|{{dts|2022|October|1}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–2

|Tecia Torres

|Decision (split)

|UFC 273

|{{dts|2022|April|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|11–2

|Marina Rodriguez

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez

|{{dts|2021|October|9}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–1

|Nina Nunes

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC on ABC: Vettori vs. Holland

|{{dts|2021|April|10}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:48

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|10–1

|Virna Jandiroba

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 256

|{{dts|2020|December|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|9–1

|Randa Markos

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Woodley

|{{dts|2020|September|19}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:44

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–1

|Hannah Cifers

|Submission (kneebar)

|UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns

|{{dts|2020|May|30}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:36

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|7–1

|Amanda Ribas

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson

|{{dts|2019|October|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Tampa, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Amanda Cooper

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 224

|{{dts|2018|May|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:27

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|{{small|Catchweight (123 lb) bout; Dern missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–0

|Ashley Yoder

|Decision (split)

|UFC 222

|{{dts|2018|March|3}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–0

|Kaline Medeiros

|Submission (armbar)

|Invicta FC 26: Maia vs. Niedzwiedz

|{{dts|2017|December|8}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|4:45

|Kansas City, Missouri, United States

|{{small|Return to Strawweight. Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–0

|Mandy Polk

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|LFA 24

|{{dts|2017|October|13}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:55

|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|{{small|Flyweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|3–0

|Katherine Roy

|Decision (unanimous)

|LFA 6

|{{dts|2017|March|10}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|San Antonio, Texas, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (120 lb) bout; Dern missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Montana De La Rosa

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Legacy FC 61

|{{dts|2016|October|14}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:25

|Dallas, Texas, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (118.8 lb) bout; Dern missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|Kenia Rosas

|Decision (unanimous)

|Legacy FC 58

|{{dts|2016|July|22}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

|{{small|Strawweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Mackenzie-Dern-137171|title=Mackenzie Dern MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2021-10-10}}

Records as per BJJHeroes website.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/mackenzie-dern|title=Mackenzie Dern {{!}} BJJ Heroes|website=BJJ Heroes|access-date=2018-02-19}}

Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda → Carlos Gracie, Sr. → Helio Gracie → Royler Gracie → Megaton Dias → Mackenzie Dern

{{Reflist}}

• {{Sherdog|137171}}
• {{UFC|mackenzie-dern}}

{{UFC Women's Strawweight Rankings}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dern, Mackenzie}}

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:Martial artists from Phoenix, Arizona

Category:American mixed martial artists of Brazilian descent

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:American female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

Category:Mixed martial artists from Arizona

Category:American female mixed martial artists

Category:Strawweight mixed martial artists

Category:Flyweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship female fighters

Category:World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship medalists

Category:Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champions (women)

Category:World No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship medalists

Category:Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners who have competed in MMA (women)

Category:ADCC Submission Fighting World Champions (women)

Category:21st-century American sportswomen