Whether or not it’s on the toes or the mat, Mackenzie Dern is assured she’ll get the job carried out at UFC 321.
Dern steps into the co-main occasion highlight this Saturday evening towards Brazilian standout Virna Jandiroba, with the winner leaving as the brand new strawweight world champion.
Being a former ADCC and IBJJF world champion, many count on Dern to flex her floor recreation towards the well-rounded Jandiroba.
Talking with members of the press throughout Wednesday’s UFC 321 media day, Dern acknowledged that whereas the battle might very nicely hit the canvas sooner or later, she’s greater than comfy slinging leather-based.
“I undoubtedly suppose this battle will go to the bottom sooner or later, however I believe the followers are going to see a really full MMA battle — placing, grappling, cage work, all the things,” Dern stated. “This time it’s 5 rounds, so it’s about being good, technical, and ensuring you will have depth for all 25 minutes.”
Dern already holds a victory over Jandiroba, defeating ‘Carcara’ by way of unanimous resolution in December 2020. That battle was contested totally on the toes — one thing we don’t anticipate would be the case of their rematch.
Mackenzie Dern preaches the ability of adversity
Dern’s highway to UFC 321 has been an extended and winding one with the very best of highs and the bottom of lows. General, she is a decent 10-5 contained in the Octagon, although she’s a mere 4-4 in her final eight, together with back-to-back losses towards Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos between 2023 and 2024.
Since then, she’s bounced again with a pair of much-needed wins, however Dern believes that the adversity she’s confronted all through her UFC profession will show useful come battle evening.
“If I can not undergo damaged noses and the losses, after all plenty of occasions you suppose, ‘Man, perhaps I shouldn’t do that. I ought to return to jiu-jitsu,’” Dern added. “I used to be like profitable all the things. I humbled myself to begin one thing new and grow to be a white belt and similar to study and undergo, particularly on a much bigger platform with all these critics. The UFC followers, they love you and hate you, then they love you once more. It’s a rollercoaster journey.
So, I can’t say I want I didn’t have an undefeated profession like Ronda Rousey. That might be wonderful, however I’m happy with my journey, and I believe that’s what’s going to assist me be an amazing champion, is the adversity I went via.”
