Mackenzie Dern is a prominent name in the world of mixed martial arts. The Brazilian-American fighter has gained recognition for her exceptional grappling skills and remarkable accomplishments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born on March 24, 1993, Dern has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in both her chosen disciplines.
With a background as a former world No. 1 ranked IBJJF competitor, Dern has an impressive list of accolades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a black belt World Champion and an ADCC World Champion, she has showcased her dominance on the mat. Her transition to professional MMA in 2016 has been equally successful, with a flourishing career and a current ranking of 6th among female divisions.
Dern’s journey into the world of martial arts began at a young age. Growing up between Arizona and Brazil, she started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the tender age of three. Over the years, she progressed through the belt levels and earned her black belt in December 2012. Known for her resilience and skill, Dern has emerged victorious in multiple world championships, even against opponents with significant advantages in size and weight.
In her MMA career, Dern debuted in Legacy Fighting Alliance, where she swiftly made a mark with a unanimous decision victory. Following a successful stint in LFA, she signed with Invicta Fighting Championship before making her way to the highly acclaimed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With notable wins over respected fighters like Amanda Cooper and Hannah Cifers, Dern’s exceptional grappling ability has been the key to her victories.
Early Life and Jiu-Jitsu Career
Mackenzie Dern’s journey in martial arts began at a young age. Born in Arizona on March 24, 1993, she grew up with a strong influence from her father, who is a renowned grappling competitor. At the tender age of three, Dern started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport that would eventually become her passion and expertise.
Throughout her childhood, Dern split her time between Arizona and Brazil, immersing herself in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and honing her skills on the mat. As she progressed through the ranks, it became clear that Dern was a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she earned her black belt in December 2012, making her one of the youngest black belts in Jiu-Jitsu history.
With her black belt secured, Dern set her sights on competition. She stormed onto the grappling scene, dominating in both national and international tournaments. Her exceptional talent and technique earned her numerous accolades, including multiple IBJJF World Championships, Pan American Championships, and victories at the Abu Dhabi World Pro. Dern’s success in the black belt divisions, often against opponents with a significant weight advantage, solidified her reputation as one of the best Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world.
Mackenzie Dern’s Early Life and Jiu-Jitsu Career in Summary:
- Born on March 24, 1993, in Arizona
- Started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of three
- Became a black belt in December 2012
- Won multiple IBJJF World Championships, Pan American Championships, and Abu Dhabi World Pro titles
- Gained recognition for her dominance in the black belt divisions despite facing opponents with significant weight advantages
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Mackenzie Dern’s transition to mixed martial arts began in 2016 when she made her debut in Legacy Fighting Alliance. In her first fight, she showcased her skill and determination, winning by unanimous decision. This victory set the stage for a successful run in LFA, where she went on to win all of her fights, proving herself as a formidable force in the sport.
Impressed by her performances, Dern caught the attention of Invicta Fighting Championship and earned a contract with the promotion. She continued to show her dominance in the octagon, defeating tough opponents with her exceptional grappling skills. It was only a matter of time before Dern made her way to the ultimate proving grounds of MMA – the UFC.
Since joining the UFC, Dern has continued to excel, securing impressive victories over notable competitors such as Amanda Cooper and Hannah Cifers. Her performances have earned her Performance of the Night honors, highlighting her ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. Dern’s success can be attributed to her exceptional grappling prowess, which has carried over from her illustrious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career.
As she climbs the ranks of the strawweight division, Dern’s future in mixed martial arts looks bright. With upcoming fights scheduled, including a highly anticipated matchup against Jessica Andrade, she has the opportunity to further solidify her status as one of the top fighters in her weight class. Fans eagerly await Dern’s next move as she continues to make waves in both the MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu communities.
Championships and Accomplishments
Mackenzie Dern’s career has been marked by numerous championships and accolades in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she has established herself as one of the top competitors in the world. Dern has won multiple International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships, asserting her dominance in various belt levels. She has also achieved victories in prestigious tournaments such as the Pan American Championships and the European Championships.
Notably, Dern holds the title of ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Champion, showcasing her exceptional grappling skills on a global stage. Her ability to execute submissions and control her opponents on the ground has been key to her success in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
Personal Life
Mackenzie Dern’s personal life has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She was previously married to professional surfer Wesley Santos, but unfortunately, they separated in 2022. Despite the challenges she has faced, Dern remains resilient and focused on her career in MMA.
Dern is also the proud mother of a daughter named Moa, who was born in June 2019. Being a mother has brought a new level of motivation and drive to Dern’s life, as she strives to be a role model for her daughter and achieve her goals inside and outside the octagon.
In addition to the personal challenges she has overcome, Dern has also experienced some changes in her training camp. She recently parted ways with Black House MMA due to a reported incident involving her original coach. These changes have not deterred her, as she continues to train diligently and seek out new opportunities for growth in her career.
