“Need to be more like Khabib….” Mackenzie Dern reflects on TKO loss and reveals next plan of action similar to Dagestani legend

Strawweight fighter Mackenzie Dern returns to the octagon this weekend in the prelims of UFC 298. She is to fight previous title challenger Amanda Lemos. However, coming off a knockout loss to Jessica Andrade, it would be a tough challenge to turn the tables. But, Dern had learned some new lessons. As such, the Brazilian-American fighter wanted to adopt the methods of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

During the media day, Mackenzie Dern reflected on her previous fight and stated she had to inculcate the Khabib Nurmagomedov style of fighting. As such, she wanted to move forward, pressure her opponents, and threaten with takedowns. Here is what she said:

I kind of just need to be more like Khabib (Nurmagomedov) and just go forward. I mean, that's my style. Keep them on the back feet, just pressuring, and have them concerned about the takedown. It's easier to close them off instead of being in the strategic and giving too much opportunity for something to land. That was one of the biggest things. 

Mackenzie Dern (via UFC 298 Media Day)

Looking back into Mackenzie Dern vs. Jessica Andrade, there was some truth to what Dern claimed. She was on the back foot right from the start and failed to put pressure on her opponent. This led Andrade to gain momentum and constantly impose her will. Further, the takedown threat diminished as Dern constantly circled to maintain distance. As such, these were the takeaways for Dern from this fight. So, for her upcoming bout, she wanted to fight like Khabib Nurmagomedov and pressure her opponent.

Mackenzie Dern in UFC 298 has an opportunity to return to winning ways and prove she belongs at the top of the strawweight division. However, standing opposite her was another fighter coming off a brutal loss, Amanda Lemos. As such, this fight would determine the trajectory of these women’s careers.

Mackenzie Dern claims to have moved on from her loss to Jessica Andrade

Mackenzie Dern is to fight #3 ranked Amanda Lemos in UFC 298. She stepped in as a late replacement since Lemos’ opponent Tatiana Suarez pulled out of the fight, citing an injury. On that note, Dern looked back on her previous fight and contemplated her situation at present.

Answering questions from reporters, Mackenzie Dern explained she has moved on from her loss to Jessica Andrade. She continued to state she was in a better state overall in life. Also, Dern claimed she trained more than she prepared for Andrade, considering the short camp time. Here is what she said:

In these four weeks, I trained more than I was able to train in the two months I prepared for Jessica...The page is turned, totally at a better place in my life, and a win or loss is part of life

Mackenzie Dern (via UFC 298 Media Day)

Mackenzie Dern has had a turbulent path in recent times as she alternated between wins and losses. However, she accepted it as it was and moved to hope for better times. As such, Dern wasn’t concerned about winning or losing and just wanted to give her best in her upcoming fight with Lemos. These women clash heads in the featured prelim bout in UFC 298 at Honda Center, Anaheim, California.

In case you missed it:

• “GTA in real life” – UFC fighter and boyfriend encounter topless woman at traffic in Hollywood
• “Gold or bust!” Henry Cejudo DOUBLES DOWN on retirement if he fails against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW