The UFC may soon see a new face in its women’s bantamweight division in 2017. Mackenzie Dern already in talks with the UFC has expressed her excitement at the prospect of debuting in the UFC next year. The highly accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter has already scored championships in the ADCC Champion, World Pro and No Gi World Championship bouts. She holds a black belt in BJJ, and, as the daughter of Wellington “Megaton” Dias, comes from impressive fighting lineage.
Mackenzie Dern told MMA Junkie: “The UFC talked to us already, My team and my coaches, we talked with them, and we definitely want to – I want to be there. I’m hoping in 2017 I’ll be there. But I don’t want to get just thrown into the shark tank. I want to go in there being a shark. I don’t want to be the fish for the sharks.
“I respect all the girls there, and I know they’re at the highest level. It’s not jiu-jitsu. It’s a different sport. And I know that jiu-jitsu can help me for so long, but I know that sooner or later, I’ll have to be ready to take them down or something like that. So we’re just taking our time. I hope in 2017 I can be in the UFC. We’re just being patient and trying to get better as fast as possible. And while I’m doing that, I’m just enjoying the process.”
But her aspirations to fight in the UFC have apparently not diminished her dedication to jiu-jitsu. While negotiations between Dern, her coaches and the UFC are still ongoing, Dern intends to continue to work to hold her 2-0 record in Legacy FC. However, she will also work to improve her technique in mixed martial arts, so that when the day comes that she finally steps into the UFC octagon, she’ll be well-prepared.
