Mackenzie Dern spoke to the media at the UFC 273 post-fight press conference following her split decision victory over Tecia Torres.
When asked by reporters if she believed that she had the best jiu-jitsu in women’s MMA, she showed no hesitation,
“I know 100% that from the jiu-jitsu world, I’m the best [woman] in MMA that made the transition. Of course, with punches, and time limit, and the cage that changes our jiu-jitsu a little bit but when you think of possibilities and what I bring to the table about jiu-jitsu. Man, there are submissions I know for sure that most of the girls never heard of, you know?.. Pulling guard, the first time I ever did that. I think that’s going to make the girls think a little bit differently.”
Dern jumped guard in the 2nd round in her Main Card bout, as she locked a kimura grip on Torres’ arm, with the arm pinned behind Torres’ back. While Dern couldn’t get the right angle to finish the submission, it was clear that Torres was in a lot of trouble. After letting go of the kimura, Dern never released her clinch and finished the round with a toe-hold that might have earned a tap against a few other opponents. Ultimately, this grappling scramble clearly won the round for Dern.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres can be replayed on ESPN+.
