In a thrilling conclusion to the UFC’s first event of 2025, Mackenzie Dern achieved a significant milestone in her career by avenging a previous defeat against Amanda Ribas. Their encounter culminated in an electrifying submission victory for Dern, who expertly executed an armbar with only four seconds left in the third round. This moment was not just a moment of triumph for Dern; it represents a turning point that may redefine her trajectory in the strawweight division.
What made Dern’s victory particularly noteworthy was her strategic approach throughout the fight. After suffering a loss to Ribas back in 2019—where she struggled to secure a single takedown and faced a barrage of strikes—Dern returned with a renewed focus on adaptability and offensive grappling. Showcasing her prowess as a submission specialist, Dern utilized the threat of her signature armbar from her back, shifting the momentum in her favor. By effectively sweeping into full mount, she demonstrated an advanced understanding of positional grappling that ultimately led to her victory.
Despite the win, Mackenzie Dern’s journey in mixed martial arts has been anything but straightforward. Over the years, she has faced challenges when competing against top-ranked fighters, largely struggling to string together consecutive victories. Ranked sixth prior to this fight, Dern’s ability to adapt and grow was evident throughout the match against Ribas; she showed a marked improvement in striking, landing 98 total strikes compared to 80 by Ribas. Additionally, her ability to engage in strategic scrambles from her back indicated a deeper knowledge of how to create opportunities, even when facing a wrestler with Ribas’s pedigree.
With this victory bringing her win streak to two after a prior decision victory against Lupita Godinez, Dern is poised for further opportunities in high-stakes matches. Despite her ascent in the rankings, she has been cautious about calling out potential future adversaries, specifically noting that the only fighter ranked above her—Tatiana Suarez—is set to challenge defending champion Zhang Weili. The result of this impending clash could significantly impact Dern’s prospects for a title shot.
Mackenzie Dern’s performance not only reflects her personal growth but also highlights the competitive nature of the women’s strawweight division as a whole. A landscape that has rapidly evolved with skilled athletes, Dern’s ability to balance her submission strengths with a more well-rounded striking game could herald a new chapter for her career. As she continues to refine her techniques and gain experience, fans eagerly await what’s next for this determined fighter, now enacting her well-deserved revenge against Ribas and setting her sights on potential championship pursuits.
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