The sole women’s bout on the UFC Fight Night: Covington vs Woodley main card sees strawweight fighter Randa Markos and Mackenzie Dern duke it out in the 25-foot octagon. ‘Quiet Storm’ Markos has not kick-started her career well. She is yet to string a series of wins since winning her first three professional bouts. However, to her credit, she hasn’t lost back-to-back bouts either. This could change on September 19.

Dern is a submission specialist who has five career submission wins in nine fights. She holds the #15 rank in the 115-pound division. She has suffered just one professional defeat and bounced back in style after going down to Amanda Ribas on her comeback last October. 

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UFC Fight Night: Randa Markos vs Mackenzie Dern- Analysis

In the UFC, Dern has claimed two submission wins without resorting to a takedown. This shows that she can swiftly turn the tide on her opponent, even in a striking contest. She averaged 1.3 submissions every three rounds, which guarantees that Markos will have to fend her off if their fight goes the distance. 

‘Quiet Storm’ holds a 58% takedown defense, but her UFC significant strike statistics make for dismal reading. The 35-year-old fighter landed just 2.96 strikes in 14 UFC fights. This lowly statistic is accompanied by a dismal 41% of strikes landed. 

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Markos absorbed 3.31 significant strikes per minute. This shows that she will be susceptible defensively against Mackenzie Dern, especially if her 60% strikes defended stats fall through.

Dern landed 3.14 significant strikes per minute in the UFC with a 32% accuracy. She absorbed 3.97 strikes but holds a good strike defense of 65%. Given Markos’ numbers and lack of career KO wins, Dern, may not have to worry about a potential fight-ending strike at the UFC Apex. 

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This could see the 27-year-old go all out, apply intense pressure, and claim a win to boost her standings among the UFC strawweight elite. Markos winning is unlikely unless Mackenzie Dern makes a huge error at the event. 

Prediction: Mackenzie Dern to win via second-round submission. 

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