Mackenzie Dern Defends Strawweight Title: Felt She Could Have Finished Earlier
Mackenzie Dern retained her UFC Strawweight title with a decision win over Gillian Robertson at UFC 330 but admits she could have ended it sooner.
Dern Dominates Grappling Battle
Mackenzie Dern, the UFC Strawweight champion, once again showcased her impressive skills at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, where she defeated Gillian Robertson by judges' decision. Dern relied heavily on her grappling — an area where she is considered one of the best in the world thanks to her extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. In the first round, she nearly finished the fight with a rear-naked choke, one of the most effective submission moves in MMA, but the bell saved Robertson from an early tap out.
A Sense of Missed Opportunity Despite the Win
Despite the victory and a successful title defense, Dern did not feel fully satisfied. At the post-fight press conference, she admitted she could have finished the fight earlier. "It feels good, but it could have been even better if I had secured the submission," Dern said. This feeling of missed opportunity highlights her strong desire to improve and dominate every moment in the fight, not just control the points. It’s a sign of the ambition and motivation driving her to keep evolving, even while at the top.
Handling Pressure and Future Fights
Dern is also dealing with external pressure stemming from criticism about the level of competition she has faced. Some argue she hasn’t yet faced the top-tier opponents, like former champion Weili Zhang. Dern dismissed these claims, pointing out that her other challengers — Gillian Robertson and Virna Jandiroba — earned their title shots after impressive five-fight winning streaks each. According to her, she doesn’t need a win over Zhang to prove her status as one of the best fighters in the division.
Plans Ahead
Mackenzie Dern plans to return to the Octagon as soon as March to defend her title for the second time. She is aware that success brings pressure and media obligations that can disrupt training routines, but she is working closely with her coaching team to adapt her schedule and stay in peak condition. Right after the last fight, they conducted an in-depth tactical analysis to improve her positioning and enhance her skills for upcoming bouts.
The UFC has yet to announce Dern’s next opponent, but the champion expressed full confidence that she is ready to face whoever the organization selects. Dern continues to be a central figure in the MMA world, combining rare technique, willpower, and natural talent, with many fans eagerly anticipating her promising path and development in future fights.