Mackenzie Dern Attributes UFC Success to Poker Skills

Mackenzie Dern, a UFC fighter, has won 16 of her 21 professional bouts and is set to defend her strawweight title for the first time at UFC 330 in Philadelphia against Gillian Robertson. Dern's journey in the UFC has seen ups and downs, including a promising start followed by four losses in six fights, which she attributes to a lack of composure.

In 2024, Dern began playing no-limit Texas hold'em poker, which she claims has significantly influenced her fighting style. She believes that the emotional control and strategic thinking required in poker have helped her remain calm during fights, leading to her recent success, including a victory over Virna Jandiroba that secured her championship.

While Dern acknowledges the risks associated with poker, including potential gambling problems, she draws parallels between the strategic elements of poker and fighting. The upcoming bout will be a co-main event, with Islam Makhachev also defending his title on the same card.