Mackenzie Dern is an American professional mixed martial artist who became popular when she became the world’s No. 1 ranked IBJJF competitor. Among the female divisions, Dern is ranked in the 6th position and is an ADCC. Dern earn the position of #8 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings on May 9, 2023. Her father is a popular, Wellington Dias Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner.
Mackenzie Dern’s Nationality
Mackenzie Dern entered this Universe on March 24, 1993, and she is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, United States. As of now, Dern is 30 years old. By birth, her star sign is Aries, and cuts her birthday cake on the 24th of March every year. Mackenzie Lynne Dern Santos is her real name.
Her parents are Wellington Dias (father). Luciana Tavaras is her stepmother who is a black belt. Her father is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. The name of her half-siblings is Korah and Merrick. Dern holds American citizenship and she belongs to mixed ethnicity (Brazilian and American). Dern follows the Christianity religion. Mackenzie graduated from Ironwood High School which is located in Glendale, Arizona.
Mackenzie Dern’s Husband
Dern is unmarried and single at the moment. Previously, she was married to Wesley Santos. Her ex-husband, Wesley is a professional surfer. Mackenzie exchanged marriage vows with Wesley in the presence of their close ones in 2019. Only after 4 years of marriage they separated in 2022. She announced their separation via her social sites saying:
“I am Single. Yes, guys, I am single. I have been single for a while now, a few months”
Past Relationships of Mackenzie Dern
She was in a relationship with a Brazilian fighter, Marcus Buchecha Almeida. In 2018, they started dating each other and even went to parties as a couple but after some months they break up.
She was once engaged to a martial artist, Augusto Tanquinho Mendes. In 2016, they officially announced their breakup.
Mackenzie Dern, Mother of a Daughter
She gave birth to a daughter with her ex-husband, Wesley. Their daughter, Moa Dern Santos was born on June 9, 2019. During her pregnancy, Mackenzie even put her MMA career on hold for some time.
Mackenzie Dern’s Net Worth & Salary
As of 2023, Dern has an estimated net worth of $1 million which she earned as a professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She has a monthly salary of $34,000 and her base salary is in the range of $66,000 to $80,000.
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She earns $50,000 from her debut fight and then she received $29,000 in her second fight. She received $3,500 as an incentive pay at UFC 224.
Mackenzie Dern’s Height & Tattoo
Dern has a tall height of 5 feet 4 inches and weighs 51 kg. 37-26-38 inches is her body measurement. Mackenzie has a beautiful pair of blue eyes and her hair is brown in color. Dern has a tattoo on her upper ribs which is written as Michelle. She also has a piercing in her hips.
Mackenzie Dern left Black House MMA
Mackenize left the Black House MMA because of her husband. Her husband and her coach, Juan Gomez had a physical fight because of the money. Due to this, Black House MMA asked her to leave along with her coach, Juan. So, she left Black House MMA.
Mackenzie Dern’s Fighting Career
- Dern was only three years old when she started practicing martial art with her parents.
- She won her debut fight by unanimous decision against Kenia Rosas at Legacy FC 58.
- When she fights against Kaline Medeiros she won the game via an armbar in round three on December 8, 2017.
- She fight against Ashley Yoder in her promotional debut and ended up winning the fight via split decision on March 3, 2018.
- In the first round, she won the fight via submission against Randa Markos on September 19, 2020, which is situated at UFC Fight Night 178.
- She fought with Marina Rodriguez on UFC Fight Night 194 but couldn’t win the game on October 9, 2021.
- Mackenzie even became even earned the title Fight of the Night award when she faced Rodriguez.
- She won the fight by split decision against Tecia Torres on April 9, 2022.
- She couldn’t win the fight when she battle with Yan Xiaonan on October 1, 2022.
- Mackenzie won the fight against Angela Hill via unanimous decision on May 13, 2023.
Awards & Honors
- Mackenzie won the title of Performance of the Night three times when she faced Hannah Cifers, Randa Markos, and Nina Ansaroff.
- She won the Most submission wins in UFC Women’s Strawweight division history.
- Mackenzie has received an achievement such as IBJJF World Champion, BJJF World No-Gi Champion, IBJJF Pan American Champion, FIVE Super League Champion, and Copa Podio Superfight Champion.
- In 2017, she earned the nomination for the Submission of the Year award at the World MMA Awards.
FAQs of Mackenzie Dern
Who are Mackenzie Dern’s Sponsors?
Mackenzie was endorsed by martial arts and BJJ. Some of the companies who sponsored her are War Tribe, Zebra, Damage Control, My Protein, Dopamine, Hayabusa, and KillCliff.
Why does Mackenzie Dern have a Brazilian accent?
She received a Brazilian accent because her father was Brazilian. Dern used to travel to Brazil frequently in her childhood and got the accent. As of now, she spends most of her time in training camps in Brazil.
Has Mackenzie Dern undergone any surgeries?
Yes, Dern has undergone surgeries in her knee. When she suffered from a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury at the recent World Championships she had to do surgery. In June 2012, Dern had ACL reconstruction.
Is Mackenzie Dern bilingual?
Yes, she is bilingual. She is fluent in English and Portuguese. In an interview, she explained how Portuguese became her primary tongue:
“My Dad and step Mom are both Brazilian. My boyfriend speaks Portuguese. I’m speaking Portuguese more than English. I still have lots of interactions in English of course. But I think in Portuguese, anything to do with fight is all in Portuguese in my mind, I dream in Portuguese.”
Did Mackenzie Dern lose weight?
Yes, Mackenzie lost body weight along with fat post-pregnancy. She even lost 50 percent of body fat along with 11 pounds of muscle gain. This made her weigh around 123.5 pounds and returned to fighting.
