Mackenzie Dern and Charles Oliveira are prominent Brazilian fighters in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Mackenzie Dern wants to follow in Charles do Bronx 's footsteps and win the Ultimate belt. The Brazilian will fight for the strawweight title (up to 52,3kg) against compatriot Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321, scheduled for next Saturday (25), and believes that the parallels between her trajectory and that of the 'Blushing Lion' can lead her to success.
In a press conference during 'Media Day', Mackenzie highlighted her pride in her MMA career and stated that the difficulties she faced throughout her career made her a more mature athlete, better prepared to reach the top. The fighter compared her journey to that of Charles do Bronx , citing the similarities between them, from the great potential recognized at the beginning to the highs and lows experienced before reaching their peak.
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“I’m proud of my journey. I think this will help me become a great champion. These adversities that I faced strengthened me. I see myself as similar to Charles do Bronx : someone who was seen as having great potential, who had ups and downs, who has been around for a long time, has all these finishes and, when he became champion, a lot of spotlight was on him,” said Mackenzie.
After winning several titles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mackenzie Dern arrived in the UFC with the status of a future champion. Her MMA record was four wins and no losses. However, after two victories in the organization, she suffered her first defeat to Amanda Ribas . The Brazilian then strung together a four-fight winning streak that took her to the top of the division, but another loss, this time to Marina Rodriguez , made her take a step back. After ups and downs, Mackenzie has accumulated 10 wins and five losses in the UFC and is now fighting for the title for the first time.
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