Mackenzie Dern wins her UFC debut by split decision over Ashley Yoder, but did the judges get it right? #UFC222 pic.twitter.com/Zd6JJQepbP
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 4, 2018
The pressure is on for Mackenzie Dern. She’s been hyped the moment she stepped into the cage as one of the most decorated grapplers to enter MMA in years. She’s won every competition possible — ADCC, the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. She is not to be trifled with on the mat. Combine that with a perfect 5-0 record, and the hype she entered the sport with is amplified as makes her way to the UFC’s Octagon for the first time as the main event of the FS1 prelims.
So, what did “the next Ronda Rousey” do?
She started the fight with a wild back and forth of fists flying with her opponent, Ashley Yoder totally game. Dern latched onto Yoder quickly until she denied a takedown attempt.
Octagon jitters?!@MackenzieDern comes out swinging in round 1! #UFC222 pic.twitter.com/VgZZDNtSqn
— UFC (@ufc) March 4, 2018
Both ladies went back to throwing heavy shots with Dern not using her elite BJJ at all, surprisingly. She didn’t want to shoot for takedowns, she wanted to strike her way into clinching distance where she could finally get the hooks in. As Mackenzie gives space, Yoder is striking with confidence and proper technique, landing hard.
Into the second, Dern is landing hard low leg kicks and is once again brawling her way in, throwing ridiculously heavy and sloppy strikes. Yoder nails Dern and drops her, but Dern quickly recovers and looks to strike more.
The Spider Monkey is up to the challenge! #UFC222 pic.twitter.com/5it3dtSghD
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 4, 2018
The left hand of @AshleyYoderMMA landing over and over! #UFC222 pic.twitter.com/GF8Sy05bkZ
— UFC (@ufc) March 4, 2018
She’s having major trouble securing a takedown. Her inside leg kicks are nice, but southpaw Yoder has found her range with her left hand. Yoder’s busted open at the end of round 2 but another takedown is stuffed.
Round 3 features more wild striking with Yoder landing well but Dern finally lands a takedown then dominates on the ground, nearly landing a submission as Yoder fights her off with incredible heart, but time runs out. It was a gutsy debut for Dern and an excellent fight for Yoder.
The scores are read and Dern gets the split-decision. What a close, great fight.
