The UFC women’s strawweight division is one of the most stacked divisions in the world of MMA. Recently, former champion Zhang Weili lost her belt to Rose Namajunas at UFC 261 in 80 seconds. The UFC is planning to make another high-profile matchup in the division with Mackenzie Dern.
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The American, ranked number five in the official UFC women’s strawweight rankings, is in fine form after beating Nina Ansaroff in her last fight on April 10. UFC president Dana White appeared in an interview with TMZ Sports and revealed his plans for her future.
“She does have a fight coming up. I was just talking about her this morning. We haven’t announced it, I’m sure, but I’ll give it to you, anyway. Hopefully, it’s done. My people hate when I do this. She’s taking on Marina Rodriguez next, which is a great fight,” White revealed.
Rodriguez is ranked number six in the division and has a record of 14-1-2, which is slightly similar to Dern’s 11-1. She beat Michelle Waterson on May 10th in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Waterson. The interviewer asked Dana for a possible date, but he replied that he didn’t know the date for sure.
Dana White believes Mackenzie Dern changed after having her baby
On being asked about Dern’s incredible improvement in her fighting style, White was incredulous that she could improve so much despite having a baby. Dern’s daughter, Moa, was born on June 9, 2019. She has won three fights via submission since then.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 12: (L-R) Mackenzie Dern punches Virna Jandiroba of Brazil in their women’s strawweight bout during the UFC 256 event at UFC APEX on December 12, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
“Since she had a baby, she’s come back and looked like she has been reborn again. She is a whole different fighter, physically, emotionally, mentally, technically, everything. She is completely changed,” White remarked.
Dern has an incredible CV. Her seven wins via submission are facilitated by her background in Jiu-Jitsu. She moved to MMA in 2016 and has an incredible record of 11-1. Additionally, her only loss came against Amanda Ribas, who is now ranked below her.
Do you think Mackenzie Dern versus Marina Rodriguez will be a good fight?
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