In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Mackenzie Dern, the number six-ranked UFC strawweight, exacted revenge on Amanda Ribas, her opponent from five years prior. Their first encounter in 2019 ended unfavorably for Dern, who lost by decision after failing to successfully execute any of her six takedown attempts. However, in this highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, Dern showcased her growth as a mixed martial artist by submitting Ribas with an armbar just four seconds before the third round concluded, marking a significant point in her career.
The fight unfolded at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where Dern displayed her evolution as a fighter. Unlike their previous bout where she struggled to impose her grappling skills, Dern managed to create opportunities for submission, demonstrating her adaptability and improvements in strategy. Notably, she successfully landed 98 total strikes compared to Ribas’ 80, and even managed to inflict damage with an elbow strike while mounted on her opponent’s back in the second round. This offensive surge was indicative of the extensive training and tactical adjustments Dern had made since their first meeting.
Throughout the matchup, Dern’s ability to sweep from her back and transition to full mount was crucial. By exploiting the threat of submissions, she effectively disrupted Ribas’ rhythm and mitigated her opponent’s judo prowess. Dern’s performance illustrates the importance of psychological warfare in MMA; the constant danger of her submission threats forced Ribas to remain defensive, creating the space that Dern needed to secure the decisive finishing move.
With this victory, Dern improved her record to 15-5 and is now riding a two-fight win streak that includes a decision win over Lupita Godinez from August. This resurgence is essential for Dern, who has often faltered against top-ranked contenders. The fight against Ribas not only serves as a personal redemption but also strategically positions her for future title contention. While she avoided calling out any future opponents, the landscape of the strawweight division will undoubtedly shift pending the results of the upcoming match between Tatiana Suarez and Zhang Weili, the reigning champion.
As Dern reflects on her journey in mixed martial arts, this win represents a pivotal moment, characterized by perseverance and dedication to her craft. The process of honing her striking and grappling skills continues, revealing her commitment to becoming a well-rounded fighter within the competitive landscape of the UFC. With aspirations of contending for the championship title within reach, the next steps for Mackenzie Dern will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as she seeks to further solidify her legacy in the sport.