Both on her feet and on the mat, Mackenzie Dern is confident she can get the job done at UFC 321.
Dern will be in the spotlight this Saturday night in a co-main event against Brazilian standout Vilna Jandiroba, with the winner walking away as the new strawweight world champion.
As a former ADCC and IBJJF world champion, many expect Dern to be flexible with his ground game against the well-rounded Jandiroba.
Speaking with reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 321 media day, Dern admitted that while there’s a good chance the fight will crash to the canvas at some point, she’s more than comfortable throwing leather.
“I definitely think this fight will take place on the ground at some point, and I think the fans are going to see a very accomplished MMA fight in terms of striking, grappling, cage work, everything,” Dern said. “This is five rounds, so it’s important to be smart, technical, and stay strong for the entire 25 minutes.”
Dern already has a victory over Jandiroba, defeating “Karkala” by unanimous decision in December 2020. That fight was completely contested on the feet, which we didn’t expect to happen in the rematch.
Mackenzie Dern talks about the power of adversity
Dern’s road to UFC 321 was a long and winding one with the highest highs and the lowest lows. Overall, she has a respectable 10-5 record inside the Octagon, but is just 4-4 in her last eight fights, including back-to-back losses to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos in 2023-2024.
She has bounced back with two much-needed wins since then, but Dern believes the adversity she has faced throughout her UFC career will be a benefit on fight night.
“If you can’t get over a broken nose or a loss, of course you often think, ‘Oh, maybe I shouldn’t do this. I should go back to jiu-jitsu,'” Dern added. “I felt like I won everything. I was humbled to start something new and become a white belt, and as much as you learn and overcome, especially on a big stage where there are critics. UFC fans, they love you, hate you, and then love you back again. It’s like a roller coaster.”
So I can’t say I wish I didn’t have an undefeated career like Ronda Rousey. That would be great, but I’m proud of my journey so far and I think that’s what will help me be a great champion, it’s the adversity that I’ve been through. ”