In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, Mackenzie Dern claimed victory over Amanda Ribas, five years after their initial clash. This fight, held at the UFC’s Apex facility in Las Vegas, marked a significant moment for Dern, a submission expert who demonstrated her submission prowess once again. With just four seconds left in the third round, Dern executed a flawless armbar that forced Ribas to tap out. This victory not only avenges her previous loss but also serves as a testament to the progress Dern has made since their last encounter in 2019.
The earlier bout ended unfavorably for Dern, who lost via a decision after struggling to land her takedowns and facing strong resistance from Ribas, especially during stand-up exchanges. In their recent match-up, Dern’s approach evolved; she employed strategic submissions from her back, effectively crafting scrambles that changed the dynamics of the fight. The growth she showcased not only in grappling but also in striking is indicative of her training and determination to improve as a martial artist.
Despite the pressure looming from the past, Dern remained focused, always on the lookout for opportunities. She mentioned in her post-fight interview the mental strain of chasing submissions as the clock wound down, saying, “It sucks when you’re so close, and the time is almost over.” Yet, that mental resilience culminated in a victory she desperately sought.
In addition to her submission victory, Dern’s statistical performance was noteworthy; she outstruck Ribas 98-80 during the fight. This includes a significant moment where she managed to cut her opponent with an elbow strike while on her back, showcasing her ability to remain offensive even while defending. Although Ribas performed admirably in takedown defense, Dern’s ability to shift positions effectively and set up submissions revealed the adaptation of her fighting style.
With this win, Dern’s record advances to 15-5, and she now stands on a two-fight winning streak, rekindling her status within the top tier of the UFC strawweight division. As of now, she is ranked No. 6 and continues to escalate her standing in a division brimming with talent.
Looking forward, Dern’s trajectory in the UFC remains promising yet challenging. Although she has faced several of the fighters ranked above her in the division and has only managed to secure one win against them, this latest victory is pivotal. It establishes her as a formidable contender for a future title shot. She refrained from calling out any specific opponents post-fight, which suggests a calculated approach to her career moving forward.
As the strawweight division evolves, the implications of upcoming fights, particularly the title bout between Tatiana Suarez and Zhang Weili, will be crucial in determining Dern’s next steps. With her continuous growth and determination, fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for this tenacious fighter, who is now firmly back in the title conversation.