Mackenzie Dern's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Mackenzie Dern. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Mackenzie Dern is a prominent American and Brazilian mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She competes in the UFC's women's strawweight division and has achieved significant recognition in both MMA and BJJ. Dern formerly held the world no. 1 ranking in IBJJF and currently holds the 5th position in the UFC women's strawweight rankings as of August 2025. She has an ADCC and no gi BJJ world champion.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 8, 2017: Invicta FC Debut

On December 8, 2017, Mackenzie Dern made her Invicta debut at Invicta FC 26: Maia vs. Niedzwiedz against Kaline Medeiros, winning via armbar in round three.

March 3, 2018: UFC Debut

On March 3, 2018, Mackenzie Dern made her promotional debut against Ashley Yoder at UFC 222, winning the fight via split decision.

May 12, 2018: Fight Against Amanda Cooper at UFC 224

On May 12, 2018, Mackenzie Dern faced Amanda Cooper at UFC 224. Dern weighed in at 123 pounds, exceeding the strawweight limit, and was fined 30% of her purse. Despite this, Dern won the fight via submission in the first round.

May 30, 2020: Fight Against Hannah Cifers at UFC on ESPN

On May 30, 2020, Mackenzie Dern faced Hannah Cifers at UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns, winning the fight with a first-round kneebar and earning her first Performance of the Night award. She was the first woman to finish a fight by any form of leg lock in UFC history.

September 19, 2020: Fight Against Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night 178

On September 19, 2020, Mackenzie Dern faced Randa Markos at UFC Fight Night 178, winning the fight via submission in the first round and earning her second straight Performance of the Night award.

December 12, 2020: Fight Against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 256

On December 12, 2020, Mackenzie Dern faced Virna Jandiroba at UFC 256, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

April 10, 2021: Fight Against Nina Nunes at UFC on ABC 2

On April 10, 2021, Mackenzie Dern faced Nina Nunes at UFC on ABC 2, winning the bout via first round armbar and earning a Performance of the Night award.

October 9, 2021: Fight Against Marina Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 194

On October 9, 2021, Mackenzie Dern faced Marina Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 194, losing the fight via unanimous decision, but earning the Fight of the Night award.

April 9, 2022: Fight Against Tecia Torres at UFC 273

On April 9, 2022, Mackenzie Dern defeated Tecia Torres in a close bout by split decision at UFC 273.

May 13, 2023: Fight Against Angela Hill at UFC on ABC 4

On May 13, 2023, Mackenzie Dern was scheduled to face Angela Hill at UFC on ABC 4, but the bout was moved to UFC Fight Night 223 one week later. She won the fight via unanimous decision and earned the Fight of the Night award.

February 17, 2024: Fight Against Amanda Lemos at UFC 298

On February 17, 2024, Mackenzie Dern faced Amanda Lemos at UFC 298, replacing Tatiana Suarez. Dern lost by unanimous decision, but this fight earned her another Fight of the Night award.

August 3, 2024: Fight Against Loopy Godinez at UFC on ABC 7

On August 3, 2024, Mackenzie Dern faced Loopy Godinez at UFC on ABC 7. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

January 11, 2025: Fight Against Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night 249

On January 11, 2025, Mackenzie Dern faced Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night 249, winning the fight via an armbar submission at the end of the third round and earning a Performance of the Night award.