Summary
M. Dern (photo) with the Brazilian flag. (Photo: Disclosure/UFC.com)
On a collision course with Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321, Mackenzie Dern could become the fourth Brazilian to win a belt in the world's largest MMA organization. In this context, some fans may question the fighter's relationship with Brazil. Despite being born in the US state of Arizona in March 1993 and having lived in the United States during her youth, the Jiu-Jitsu black belt chose to wear the green and yellow colors of Brazil throughout her career in combat sports. But what are the reasons for this?
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Legally, Mackenzie Dern is Brazilian
Mackenzie Dern is a jiu-jitsu legend. Photo: Reproduction.
According to Article 12, Section I of the Federal Constitution, all Brazilian citizens born abroad are considered Brazilian-born. This is the case with Mackenzie. The fighter is the daughter of Wellington 'Megaton' Dias, one of the greatest names in jiu-jitsu history who moved abroad. She became a black belt in the sport at the age of 20 and, while competing in the Gentle Art, was an IBJJF world champion and a gold medalist at the ADCC.
'Megaton' Dias discusses daughter Mackenzie Dern ’s transition to MMA, victorious UFC debut ( @guicruzzz ) https://t.co/cGCNo9gVkW pic.twitter.com/0tPwccTgyY
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 1, 2018
Mackenzie has a strong identification in Brazil
M. Dern was a world and ADCC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @mackenziedern
Fluent in English and Portuguese, Mackenzie has also repeatedly stated her personal initiative to be seen by the media and fans as Brazilian due to her identification with the nation. In an interview with ESPN in September 2020, she made it clear how negatively she is affected by xenophobic comments.
"I felt this very strong connection with Brazil. I never felt 100% American because they said, 'You're not 100% American, you're Brazilian too.' I still get sad when Brazilians say I'm not Brazilian because I wasn't born here. I have everything: a passport, a CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID), I pay taxes," she said at the time.
Mackenzie could join Fabrício Werdum next Saturday
F. Werdum raises the UFC championship belt. Photo: GettyImages
Brazilian fighter Mackenzie could repeat the feat of another illustrious Brazilian in the co-main event of UFC 321. Also from Jiu-Jitsu, Fabricio Werdum is the only athlete in history to win world titles in Jiu-Jitsu with a gi, without a gi, and in the world's largest MMA organization.
Vai Cavalo won gold medals in the IBJJF black belt division in 2003 and 2004, as well as the ADCC in 2007 and 2009. He reached the top of MMA by submitting Cain Velasquez in the main event of UFC 188 with a guillotine choke in June 2015. In the same year, Mackenzie won the same grappling titles and achieved stardom in the world of grappling. If she surpasses Jandiroba, she will become the first woman to achieve such a feat.
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Read More about: Brazil, Mackenzie dern, UFC 321
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