Mackenzie Dern

Record: 63-26-1 (W-L-D)

Nick Name: Kenzie

Birth Date: 1993-03-24

Weight Class: Strawweight

Team: Gracie Humaitá

Early Life and Family Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Family Legacy and Early Immersion

Mackenzie Dern was born on March 24, 1993, in the United States, into a family with deep roots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the daughter of Wellington "Megaton" Dias, a legendary BJJ black belt and competitor, and the stepdaughter of Luciana Tavares and "Luka" Dias—both respected within the BJJ community—Dern was surrounded by elite grappling from the start. From age 3, she accompanied her father to the family academy, absorbing the art's fundamentals through daily exposure and hands-on practice.

Early Technical Foundation

Participating in kids’ grappling and judo tournaments, Dern quickly developed a versatile base in both ground fighting and throwing techniques. Her early competitive experiences sharpened her tactical awareness, allowing her to excel in local circuits and build a strong technical foundation that would serve her throughout her career.

Rise Through the BJJ Ranks and World Championships

Accelerated Progression and Mentorship

Competing in adult divisions by age 14, Dern demonstrated advanced technical acumen and competitive maturity well beyond her years. Under the close mentorship of her father and guidance from icons like Royler Gracie and Letícia Ribeiro, she refined her game with a focus on precision, timing, and strategic adaptability.

Championship Success and Signature Performances

Dern captured world championships at every belt level, earning her black belt before turning 20. Her black belt debut featured a dominant 8–2 victory over Luiza Monteiro at 2013 Copa Podio, showcasing her ability to control tempo and capitalize on scoring opportunities. She went on to secure major titles in both gi and no-gi formats, including gold at the 2015 ADCC World Championship and the 2015 IBJJF World Championship. Dern’s technical arsenal—marked by aggressive guard play, seamless transitions, and high-percentage submissions—established her as one of the premier female grapplers of her generation.

Transition to MMA and UFC Strawweight Contender

Adapting Jiu-Jitsu for MMA

After conquering the BJJ world, Dern transitioned to mixed martial arts, signing with the UFC in 2018. She quickly gained recognition for her elite grappling and submission prowess, effectively adapting her jiu-jitsu to the demands of MMA. Dern’s ability to impose positional dominance and threaten submissions from multiple ranges made her a constant threat in the Octagon.

UFC Achievements and Notable Fights

Dern has headlined UFC events and set the record for most submission victories in UFC women's strawweight history, amassing eight submission wins as of September 2025. With a professional MMA record of 15-5, the majority of her victories come by submission, reflecting her technical superiority on the ground. Notable UFC wins include victories over Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101 (2025), as well as Hannah Cifers and Randa Markos. Her consistent application of high-level jiu-jitsu has solidified her status as a perennial strawweight contender.

Motherhood and Athletic Comeback

Balancing Family and Competition

In June 2019, Dern gave birth to her daughter, Moa. Demonstrating exceptional resilience, she returned to UFC competition just four months postpartum, even competing while breastfeeding in October 2019. Dern has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a professional fighting career, emphasizing how the experience has heightened her motivation, focus, and mental toughness.

Inspiration and Personal Growth

Dern credits motherhood with her growth as both an athlete and individual, expressing a desire to inspire other mothers to pursue their athletic ambitions. Her journey highlights the intersection of elite performance and personal transformation, serving as a model for balancing family and high-level competition.

Training Evolution and Recent Competitive Focus

Training Adaptations and Team Dynamics

Dern’s training history reflects a commitment to continual evolution. She began her journey in Arizona with her father and at MMA Lab, later relocating her fight camps to California. There, she refined her striking under coach Jason Parillo at RVCA Gym, integrating effective stand-up skills into her arsenal.

Strategic Shifts and Return to Roots

Following a challenging period in 2022, Dern sought a more cohesive team environment, bringing her father back as a grappling coach and reconnecting with her foundational training. She has also worked with coaches from Team Khabib and, as of September 2025, prepared for her first UFC title shot against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 (2025), training jiu-jitsu in San Diego with André Galvão. In January 2024, Dern announced her return to BJJ competition, choosing a superfight against Ffion Davies at the Craig Jones Invitational over the 2024 ADCC World Championships. Around this period, her father promoted her to 3rd-degree black belt, marking a significant milestone in her grappling career.

Media Presence and Advocacy for Women in BJJ

Expanding Influence and Advocacy

Beyond her athletic achievements, Dern has emerged as a leading advocate for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. She has been featured in major media outlets such as People Magazine and Women’s Health, discussing topics like body image, motherhood, and the empowerment of women in sports. Dern leverages her platform to promote BJJ for women and mothers, sharing her journey to inspire others.

Cultural Impact and Public Engagement

Her bilingual upbringing in Portuguese and English, combined with her charismatic personality, has broadened her appeal among fans worldwide. In May 2025, Dern appeared in a viral segment teaching Hailey Welch, known as the "Hawk Tuah" viral personality, how to execute a rear-naked choke, further expanding her reach and influence within the martial arts community.

Mackenzie Dern's Videos

Mackenzie Dern - True Warrior (trailer)

Overall Performance Summary

Total Matchups

Wins

63 (70.0%)

Losses

26 (28.89%)

Draws

1 (1.11%)

Win/Loss By Method

Mackenzie's Matchup History

Opponent	W/L	Method	Event	Weight	Date
Elvira Karppinen	L	Points	2017 ADCC World Championships	-60kgs	2017 Sep 23
Venla Luukkonen	L	Points	2017 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Absolute Division	2017 Jun 1
Katherine Jesus	W	Points	2017 IBJJF Rio Fall Open	Absolute Division	2017 Apr 12
Beatriz Mesquita	L	Bow And Arrow	2017 IBJJF Rio Fall Open	Absolute Division	2017 Apr 12
Pati Fontes	W	Cross Collar Choke	Fight 2 Win Pro 25	Bantamweight	2017 Feb 4
Venla Luukkonen	W	Points	2017 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Absolute Division	2017 Jan 17
Carolina Carriello	W	Bow And Arrow	2017 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Featherweight	2017 Jan 17
Tayane Porfirio	L	Points	2017 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Absolute Division	2017 Jan 17
Emily Thylin	W	Decision	2017 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Featherweight	2017 Jan 17
Barbara Gomes	W	Omoplata	2016 IBJJF South American Championships	Absolute Division	2016 Nov 27
Joaquina Bonfim	W	Advantage	2016 IBJJF South American Championships	Absolute Division	2016 Nov 27
Eloisa Souta	W	Choke	2016 IBJJF South American Championships	Lightweight	2016 Nov 27
Tayane Porfirio	L	Points	2016 IBJJF South American Championships	Absolute Division	2016 Nov 27
Megan Green	W	Kneebar	Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Toyko	70kgs	2016 Oct 23
Talita Alencar	W	Decision	Fight 2 Win Pro 12	Light Featherweight	2016 Sep 17
Fernanda Mazzelli	W	Decision	2016 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Absolute Division	2016 Jun 2
Karen Antunes	W	Decision	2016 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Featherweight	2016 Jun 2
Dominyka Obelenyte	L	Points	2016 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Absolute Division	2016 Jun 2
Michelle Nicolini	W	Advantage	2016 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship	Featherweight	2016 Jun 2
Andresa Lidia	W	Gi Choke From Back	2016 Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship	Absolute Division	2016 May 3

Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern

Submit Information

Early Life and Family Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Family Legacy and Early Immersion

Early Technical Foundation

Rise Through the BJJ Ranks and World Championships

Accelerated Progression and Mentorship

Championship Success and Signature Performances

Transition to MMA and UFC Strawweight Contender

Adapting Jiu-Jitsu for MMA

UFC Achievements and Notable Fights

Motherhood and Athletic Comeback

Balancing Family and Competition

Inspiration and Personal Growth

Training Evolution and Recent Competitive Focus

Training Adaptations and Team Dynamics

Strategic Shifts and Return to Roots

Media Presence and Advocacy for Women in BJJ

Expanding Influence and Advocacy

Cultural Impact and Public Engagement

Mackenzie Dern's Videos

Mackenzie Dern - True Warrior (trailer)

Overall Performance Summary

Win/Loss By Method

Mackenzie's Matchup History

Table of Contents

Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern

Early Life and Family Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Early Life and Family Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Family Legacy and Early Immersion

Early Technical Foundation

Rise Through the BJJ Ranks and World Championships Rise Through the BJJ Ranks and World Championships

Accelerated Progression and Mentorship

Championship Success and Signature Performances

Transition to MMA and UFC Strawweight Contender Transition to MMA and UFC Strawweight Contender

Adapting Jiu-Jitsu for MMA

UFC Achievements and Notable Fights

Motherhood and Athletic Comeback Motherhood and Athletic Comeback

Balancing Family and Competition

Inspiration and Personal Growth

Training Evolution and Recent Competitive Focus Training Evolution and Recent Competitive Focus

Training Adaptations and Team Dynamics

Strategic Shifts and Return to Roots

Media Presence and Advocacy for Women in BJJ Media Presence and Advocacy for Women in BJJ

Expanding Influence and Advocacy

Cultural Impact and Public Engagement

Mackenzie Dern's Videos

Mackenzie Dern - True Warrior (trailer)

Overall Performance Summary

Win/Loss By Method

Mackenzie's Matchup History

Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Rise Through the BJJ Ranks and World Championships

Transition to MMA and UFC Strawweight Contender

Motherhood and Athletic Comeback

Training Evolution and Recent Competitive Focus

Media Presence and Advocacy for Women in BJJ