Mackenzie Dern is ready to prove she’s evolved far beyond her jiu-jitsu roots when she steps into the co-main event of UFC 321 this Saturday.

The Brazilian will face fellow countrywoman Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title — and this time, Dern says fans should expect much more than just a grappling showcase.

Here is what she had to say to the reporters during UFC 321 media day:

I definitely think this fight will go to the ground at some point.
But I think the fans are going to see a very complete MMA fight — striking, grappling, cage work, everything.

This time it’s five rounds, so it’s about being smart, technical, and making sure you have intensity for all 25 minutes.

Their first encounter, back in 2020, ended in a unanimous decision win for Dern — a fight contested almost entirely on the feet.
Four years later, both fighters have evolved, and Dern is confident she can impose her will wherever the fight goes.

Despite an impressive 10-5 record in the promotion, Dern went through a rough patch, suffering consecutive defeats to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemosbefore bouncing back with two strong wins.

Reflecting on her journey, Dern credits those setbacks for shaping her into a more resilient fighter:

If I cannot go through broken noses and the losses, of course lots of times you think: “Man, maybe I shouldn’t do this. I should go back to jiu-jitsu.”

I humbled myself to start something new and become a white belt again… Especially on a bigger platform with all these critics.
The UFC fans, they love you and hate you, then they love you again.

It’s a rollercoaster ride.

While many fighters might envy an undefeated run like Ronda Rousey’s, Dern says she wouldn’t trade her path for anything:

I can’t say I wish I didn’t have an undefeated career like Ronda Rousey.
That would be amazing, but I’m proud of my journey.

I think that’s what’s going to help me be a great champion — the adversity I went through.

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