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Mackenzie Dern Aiming to Win a UFC Belt in the Next 3 Years

Mackenzie Dern Aiming to Win a UFC Belt in the Next 3 Years

 

 

Mackenzie Dern is coming off her impressive Worlds 2016 victory. Her slowly evolving focus hasn’t impacted her jiu-jitsu badly. But what comes next? What longterm goals is she aiming to achieve?

In an interview with 100kg.com Mackenzie took time to answer some serious questions:

You are a 2x World Champion who has an MMA debut set. Do you aim to do both or will you take a break from grappling competitions?

Sure, I’ll keep competing in Jiu-Jitsu! I still have some goals I want to achieve on the gentle art scene. But in coming months I will focus a bit more on MMA. For now I am able to do both, so I’ll keep it up because I feel that my level of jiujitsu will be beneficial in MMA.

You are a player who plays a lot of guard. MMA is more dangerous and different. How are you adapting to standing and taking punches?

At first I was frequently leaving the face exposed. Wow, so many punches in the face in the beginning (laughs). Now I’m adjusting myself better, I can attack more and know where to put my legs so my head doesn’t take a beating. But I’m feeling much better overall as well.

 

 

What’s your biggest dream in MMA and how long do you think it’ll take you to achieve it? Do you already see yourself fighting in the UFC?

My biggest MMA dream is wining a UFC belt! I believe that in around 3 years I will have it. Of course I need to chase the dream, but I am certain that this transition will be easier knowing I have the bjj community rooting for me.

You can read the whole interview here.