Mackenzie Dern – Page 8 – Syndication Server

UFC Fight Night 211 predictions: Four unanimous picks and two blowouts in Las Vegas

Check out our staff members’ picks for the UFC Fight Night 211 main card, which features Mackenzie Dern vs. Yan Xiaonan at strawweight.

	Dern vs. Xiaonan	Brown vs. Trinaldo	Barcelos vs. Jones	Shainis vs. Yusuff	Castaneda vs. Santos	Borschev vs. Davis
MMA Junkie readers’ consensus picks 154-93	Dern (77%)	Brown (77%)	Barcelos (80%)	Yusuff (90%)	Castaneda (76%)	Davis (66%)
Ken Hathaway @kenshathaway 165-87 2018 Champion	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Abbey Subhan @kammakaze 161-91	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Mike Bohn @MikeBohn 159-93 2014 Champion	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Borschev
Matthew Wells @MrMWells 157-95	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Farah Hannoun @Farah_Hannoun 156-96	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Matt Erickson @MMAjunkieMatt 155-97	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Borschev
Simon Samano @SJSamano 155-97	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Borschev
Nolan King @mma_kings 148-104	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Brian Garcia @thegoze 147-105 2017 Champion	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
George Garcia @MMAjunkieGeorge 138-114	Dern	Brown	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis
Danny Segura @dannyseguratv 123-128	Dern	Trinaldo	Barcelos	Yusuff	Castaneda	Davis

The UFC is back on its home turf after a week off, and a pair of women’s strawweight contenders headline the card.

UFC Fight Night 211 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streams on ESPN+.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) takes on [autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at 115 pounds. Dern is a -240 favorite at Tipico Sportsbook; the comeback on Xiaonan is +180. Our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers have Dern as one of four unanimous picks on the main card at 11-0.

The co-main event features [autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) vs. [autotag]Francisco Trinaldo[/autotag] (28-8 MMA, 18-7 UFC) at welterweight. Brown is a -350 favorite, but he’s not unanimous. One of our pickers is taking Trinaldo to pull off the upset.

Also on the main card, [autotag]Raoni Barcelos[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) meets [autotag]Trevin Jones[/autotag] (13-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in a bantamweight bout. Barcelos is a -260 favorite and one of our four unanimous picks.

UFC newcomer [autotag]Don Shainis[/autotag] (12-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will have a tough task on his hands for his promotional debut when he meets [autotag]Sodiq Yusuff[/autotag] (12-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) at featherweight. Yusuff is the biggest favorite on the card at 11-1, and not surprisingly is a unanimous pick from our staff members.

Our fourth unanimous nod is [autotag]John Castaneda[/autotag] (19-5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in his fight against [autotag]Daniel Santos[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), which will take place at a contracted 140-pound catchweight. Castaneda is the smallest favorite on the man card at -190, but he pitched an 11-0 shutout in the picks.

And to open the main card, we have our most contentious bout from a picks standpoint. [autotag]Viacheslav Borshchev[/autotag] (6-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) takes on [autotag]Mike Davis[/autotag] (9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at lightweight. Davis is a 2-1 favorite at the betting window and has a big 8-3 lead in the picks.

In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Dern (77 percent), Brown (77 percent), Barcelos (80 percent), Yusuff (90 percent), Castaneda (76 percent) and Davis (66 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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Photos: Mackenzie Dern through the years

Check out these photos highlighting Mackenzie Dern’s career through the years.

Check out these photos highlighting [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag]’s career through the years, and don’t miss our “Fight Game on the ‘Gram” feature with Dern.

Jun 1976; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Jack Nicklaus in action during the 1976 PGA tour season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports

Nov 28, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Fight Night 211 breakdown: Can Yan Xiaonan stop Mackenzie Dern’s grappling?

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 211 main event between Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xiaonan.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the UFC’s top bouts. Today, we look at the main event for UFC Fight Night 211.

Top UFC strawweight contenders [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] and [autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] clash in the main event as they both look to get one step closer to a title shot. Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) holds the No. 5 spot in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s strawweight rankings, while Xiaonan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is not too far behind at the No. 9 spot.

Will Xiaonan be able to snap a two-fight skid and stifle the high-level grappling of Dern? Or will the BJJ ace make it two wins in a row against top competition at strawweight?

UFC Fight Night 211 takes place Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card airs on ESPN+.

Check out the video above for Tom’s breakdown of the fight and prediction.

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Mackenzie Dern not expecting title shot if she beats Yan Xiaonan, feels a former champ is ‘good next step’

Mackenzie Dern doesn’t want a title shot, for now.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag]’s ultimate goal is to be UFC champion, but she still feels she needs to get a bit more experience before getting the opportunity.

The UFC strawweight contender returns to the cage this Saturday, as she’s set to take on Yan Xiaonan in the main event of UFC Fight Night 211. It’s a big fight for the division and one that can have big consequences.

As one of the more popular names in the weight class, some think Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) could be knocking on the door of a title shot if victorious over Xiaonan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC). However, the 29-year-old doesn’t want to fight for UFC gold, at least not yet.

“I think if I have a dominant performance, (a former champion) would be a next good step for me,” Dern told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 211 media day on Wednesday. “I don’t want to fight exactly for the belt, I mean, I’m not going to be the person that says, ‘No. No. I don’t want a title fight.’ If they offer it, maybe we’ll take it. But for me, if I had a choice, I would like to do one more fight against a former champion – Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade, maybe even the loser of Zhang Weili and Carla Esparza.

“I think that would be a good test for me. And if I beat a former champion, then I can fight the real champion.”

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Dern is coming off a split decision over Tecia Torres back in April at UFC 273. Prior to that, she had lost to top contender Marina Rodriguez in a Fight of the Night main event last October.

Dern, who’s 5-1 in her past six fights, believes Xiaonan is the perfect next step to put her MMA evolution to a test.

“She’s got high volume, good technique, strong punches, she hits in the right spots, but at the same time, as a grappler, that’s good because it’s a little easier to take them down,” Dern said. “… I’m at a really good moment in my career to fight someone like that, (someone) that’s going to try to put on the pressure on me, because I’m finally starting to settle in on my striking.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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UFC free fight: Mackenzie Dern taps out Nina Nunes with first-round armbar

Ahead of her main event matchup with Yan Xiaonan, relive Mackenzie Dern’s finish of Nina Nunes at UFC on ABC 2.

It didn’t take long for [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] to take [autotag]Nina Nunes[/autotag] into her world.

Looking to make it four straight wins, Dern welcomed Nunes back to the octagon on the main card of UFC on ABC 2 last April.

Dern rushed Nunes with some hard combinations until she managed to clinch up and stack her against the cage. Nunes broke free, but Dern was able to latch onto a single leg and trip her to the mat. The ADCC champion controlled Nunes in top position and eventually transitioned to an armbar. Nunes fought hard, but once Dern was able to separate her arm, she forced the quick tap from Nunes.

Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) returns to action Oct. 1 when she takes on [autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 211, which takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Before she faces Xiaonan, relive Dern’s finish of Nunes in the video above.

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Manager thinks Mackenzie Dern vs. Yan Xiaonan ‘very close’ to UFC strawweight title eliminator

When the calendar turns to October, Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xiaonan will set off an important trio of fights in the UFC strawweight division.

When the calendar turns to October, [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] and [autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] will set off an important trio of upcoming fights in the UFC strawweight division.

Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC), who is No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings at 115 pounds, and No. 9 Xiaonan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will headline UFC Fight Night 211 on Oct. 1 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Dern and Xiaonan are Nos. 5 and 6 in the official UFC rankings, which underscores the significance of their matchup.

After that, the fights in the division only get bigger.

At UFC 280 on Oct. 22, No. 3 Marina Rodriguez – who owns wins over Dern and Xiaonan – takes on No. 8 Amanda Lemos at UFC 280. And then there’s the biggest fight happening Nov. 12 at UFC 281 in New York, where champion Carla Esparza will put her title on the line against former champ Zhang Weili.

With Esparza dethroning previous champ Rose Namajunas earlier this year, the strawweight division is in the middle of change. According to Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports, who manages Dern and Xiaonan, the opportunity to leave a lasting impression is huge after those other two fights play out behind them.

“I think it’s very close to (a title eliminator),” Simpson told MMA Junkie. “(Strawweight) is kind of wide open at the moment, when you have a new champion. It’ll be interesting to see what they do. Mackenzie’s back on a really good streak. You have to pay respect to Marina Rodriguez, who’s right there and has a win over both of those girls, and she’s got a fight coming up to. Obvious respect to the former champ, Rose Namajunas. So it’s interesting at 115, and it’s about making a statement.”

Dern got back in the win column in her most recent fight at UFC 273 where she beat Tecia Torres by split decision. That result came after the loss to Rodriguez snapped her five-fight winning streak.

A Xiaonan loss would be detrimental to her title aspirations as it would serve to be her third straight after dropping back-to-back fights to Esparza and Rodriguez.

“When it’s crowded and you’re not really sure what’s gonna happen next, who’s gonna make a statement?” Simpson said. “Both Xiaonan and Mackenzie have an opportunity to make a statement in what’s now becoming a top-heavy division. It’s exciting for both of them.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 211.

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Mackenzie Dern vs. Yan Xiaonan headlines October UFC Fight Night event

A key strawweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xiaonan has been booked for Oct. 1.

[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] got her second career UFC main event.

The UFC strawweight contender is set to take on [autotag]Yan Xiaonan[/autotag] in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on Oct. 1. The location for the event has yet to be determined.

The news was confirmed by MMA Junkie following an initial report from ESPN.

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Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is coming off a decision win over Tecia Torres at UFC 273 in April. The victory put Dern back in the win column, as she had previously lost to Marina Rodriguez – a defeat that snapped a four-fight winning streak.

On the other hand, Xiaonan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) looks to bounce back from her worst career moment. The Chinese fighter is on a two-fight losing streak, coming up short against champion Carla Esparza and top contender Marina Rodriguez. Prior to the pair of defeats, Xiaonan was unbeaten in her past 13 bouts.

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Mackenzie Dern wants interim UFC title fight vs. Zhang Weili with Carla Esparza injured

With champion Carla Esparza injured, Mackenzie Dern is “definitely interested” in an interim title fight with Zhang Weili.

COSTA MESA, Calif. – [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] will be ready to fight if the UFC opts to implement an interim title in the strawweight division.

The future of the UFC at 115 pounds is currently a bit murky after reigning champion Carla Esparza told MMA Junkie this week that she’s injured and unable to accept a title defense with Zhang Weili at UFC 281 on Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi.

Although Esparza (19-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who regained UFC gold with a highly-criticized split decision win over Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 in April, has said she expects to be healthy by November or December, the UFC has a history of showing an impatience in regards to making certain title fights, and it wouldn’t be unprecedented if an interim strap came into play.

If that’s the case, Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) said she would be eager to pounce on the opportunity, be it against Weili (22-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) or anyone else.

“If they do have an interim title I would like to be in there,” Dern told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “Fight Zhang Weili or whoever it will be. I’m definitely interested in that. I’m ready. I’m talking with Mick (Maynard). I even sent a message to Dana (White). I’m like, ‘Hey Dana, I’m ready whoever it is, I’m ready.’ My manager Tim (Simpson) from Paradigm. A lot of names have been thrown out: Yan Xiaonan, Rose, Zhang Weili has been thrown out in the past, so I’m not sure how serious they are about that. But definitely I would be ready for any of those girls.”

Dern, 29, who has won five of her past six and is coming off a split decision win over Tecia Torres at UFC 273 in April, said she has been training consistently and would be ready to jump into a full-fledged training camp at any moment. That includes being prepared for a five-round fight.

“For me, I’ve been training since my last fight so I’m ready,” Dern said. “It can be August, October – hopefully not too long. I want to fight pretty soon and keep the wins coming, keep my training on point. I think if I could get that interim title if that doesn’t fight happen would be pleasure. It would be awesome.”

If the UFC does decide to go the interim title round, Dern, No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie strawweight rankings, said she sees No. 3-ranked Weili as the obvious choice for an opponent.

Weili, who is a former UFC champion in her own right, retired divisional legend Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning backfist knockout at UFC 275 this month in Singapore. It was an incredible finish that made her the clear top choice to challenge No. 1-ranked Esparza, but if the champ is unavailable, Dern embraces the challenge of facing the Chinese powerhouse.

“Zhang Weili continues to show she can throw crazy stuff at you and you need to be prepared. I hope to face her eventually. I think that would be a great fight. I don’t think she’s ever fought someone with my jiu-jitsu caliber, but definitely it would be a great. We’ll see what happens.”

UFC 273 results: Mackenzie Dern rebounds from loss, takes split decision over Tecia Torres

Mackenzie Dern and Tecia Torres battled three closely contested rounds at UFC 273, but it was the submission specialist who got the nod.

[autotag]Tecia Torres[/autotag] successfully stifled [autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag]’s submission attempts UFC 273, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory.

Dern (12-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) edged Torres (13-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) by split decision in a closely contested fight that went the distance. Ultimately, the judges saw it in her favor and rewarded scores of 28-29, 29-28 and 29-28.

The women’s strawweight bout was part of the UFC 273 main card at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.

The fight started with Torres implementing a ton of movement and avoiding Dern’s advances and attempts to clinch and tie her up. She weaved in and out with punches and low kicks, doing her best to frustrate her opponent. It was a successful approach ,because Dern was unable to take her to the ground in the opening five minutes.

With some desperation mounting early in the second round, Dern charged at Torres and tried to jump for a flying triangle choke, which she quickly transitioned to a standing kimura. against the fence. Torres was certainly uncomfortable, and was forced to go down to the ground with Dern, but she kept her composure from the various submission attempts that came her way. There were some dangerous moments – in particular a leg lock attempt – but Dern ran out of time and couldn’t finish.

The final round of the contest started standing once again, forcing Dern to again press forward against Torres, who was clearly focused on keeping her distance. She miscalculated on a kick, though, which allowed Dern to grab the leg and secure a brief takedown. Torres got the fight upright, and it was a coin toss going into the final two minutes. Torres landed some solid strikes down the stretch, but Dern kept eager and got the nod.

After losing her previous bout to Marina Rodriguez, Dern is back on track and said she wants a big name next.

“Definitely someone in the top five,” Dern said in her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 273 results include:

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UFC 273: Quick picks and prognostications

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the UFC 273 main card, which features an anticipated Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev clash.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the UFC’s top bouts. Today, we look at the main card for UFC 273.

UFC 273 takes place Saturday, April 9 from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

Last event’s results: 4-1

Overall picks for UFC main cards in 2022: 28-9

Welcome to MMA Junkie’s quick picks and prognostications, where I’ll be giving brief, fight-day breakdowns for UFC main cards.

With that in mind, I hope these write-ups don’t come off as curt or dismissive, as my goal here is to offer quick picks and analysis in a digestible format. All odds listed are provided by Tipico Sportsbook.

If you’d like more detailed analysis from me, then feel free to check out my weekly show, The Protect Ya’ Neck Podcast.

So, without further ado…