Whether or not it’s on the toes or the mat, Mackenzie Dern is assured she’ll get the job accomplished at UFC 321.
Dern steps into the co-main event spotlight this Saturday night 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 struggle could very nicely hit the canvas sooner or later, she’s greater than snug slinging leather-based.
“I positively assume this struggle will go to the bottom sooner or later, however I believe the followers are going to see a really full MMA struggle — putting, grappling, cage work, every thing,” Dern mentioned. “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 determination in December 2020. That struggle was contested solely on the toes — one thing we don’t anticipate would be the case of their rematch.
Mackenzie Dern preaches the facility of adversity
Dern’s street to UFC 321 has been an extended and winding one with the best of highs and the bottom of lows. Total, she is a good 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 helpful come struggle evening.
“If I can’t undergo damaged noses and the losses, in fact numerous occasions you assume, ‘Man, perhaps I shouldn’t do that. I ought to return to jiu-jitsu,’” Dern added. “I used to be like profitable every thing. I humbled myself to begin one thing new and change into a white belt and similar to study and undergo, particularly on an even 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 trip.
So, I can’t say I want I didn’t have an undefeated profession like Ronda Rousey. That will be wonderful, however I’m pleased with my journey, and I believe that’s what’s going to assist me be an incredible champion, is the adversity I went via.”
