Mackenzie Dern

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Born on March 24, 1993, Mackenzie Dern is the daughter of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Wellington "Megaton" Dias. Immersed in martial arts from an early age, Dern began training BJJ at three years old under the expert guidance of her father and stepmother, Luciana Tavares. Her early exposure to high-level instruction enabled her to quickly dominate local children's grappling competitions, laying a strong foundation for her future achievements.

BJJ Career and Belt Progression

Dern transitioned to adult divisions at only 14 years old, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication. Throughout her competitive journey, she trained under renowned coaches, including her father Wellington Dias, Royler Gracie, and Letícia Ribeiro. Dern achieved remarkable success, capturing IBJJF World Championship titles at every belt level and earning her black belt before turning 20. In early 2024, she received her 3rd-degree black belt from her father, further solidifying her status among the sport's elite practitioners.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

After establishing herself as a dominant force in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—highlighted by ADCC and gi world championship titles—Mackenzie Dern transitioned to mixed martial arts, signing with the UFC in January 2018. Known for her aggressive submission-hunting style and elite grappling transitions, Dern quickly made an impact in MMA, securing eight submission victories inside the UFC octagon. As of late 2024, Dern holds the #6 ranking in the UFC women's strawweight division, boasting a professional MMA record of 15-5, with the majority of her wins coming via submission.

Motherhood and Return to Competition

In June 2019, Dern gave birth to her daughter, Moa, and made an extraordinary return to UFC competition four months later in October 2019, competing while still breastfeeding—a rare feat in high-level MMA. Although she experienced her first MMA career loss in this comeback fight, Dern expressed having "no regrets" about returning swiftly. She openly discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with professional fighting, crediting motherhood for significantly enhancing her focus, professionalism, and mental toughness.

Recent Training Camp Adjustments

Initially training in Arizona alongside her father at the MMA Lab, Dern later relocated to California, spending several years refining her striking skills under coach Jason Parillo at RVCA Gym. Following a challenging loss in 2022, Dern sought a more comprehensive team environment, parting ways with Parillo. She reconnected with her father as a grappling coach during this period and trained with coaches from Team Khabib, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to evolving as a complete MMA athlete.

Return to Grappling Competitions

In January 2024, Mackenzie Dern announced her intention to return to competitive grappling, focusing primarily on no-gi events. Although invited to compete at the 2024 ADCC World Championships, Dern opted instead for a high-profile superfight against Ffion Davies at the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). She has also expressed interest in competing again at CJI 2 in 2025, underscoring her continued passion for elite grappling competition.

Media Presence and Advocacy

Mackenzie Dern has become one of the most visible female fighters, leveraging her platform to advocate for women's empowerment in sports. Featured in mainstream media outlets such as People Magazine and Women's Health, Dern openly discusses important topics including body image, motherhood challenges, and losing sponsorships during pregnancy. Fluent in both Portuguese and English, her engaging personality and positive presence have made her a fan favorite and influential figure within the martial arts community.

Competition Style and Grappling Approach

Dern is renowned for her aggressive, submission-oriented grappling style, characterized by seamless transitions and relentless pressure. Her ability to effectively apply high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques in MMA has resulted in numerous submission victories. Additionally, her early experience competing in judo tournaments has sharpened her throwing techniques, further enhancing her effectiveness in both BJJ competitions and MMA bouts.