Key Highlights
- Mackenzie Dern’s lone victory over Gabi Garcia is one of the most talked-about upsets in women’s grappling history.
- The rivalry began at the 2013 Pan American Championship and continued through 2015, with Garcia winning four consecutive matches against Dern.
- Dern finally secured a victory over Garcia in 2015 under a new rule prohibiting communication with referees during submissions.
- Now preparing for the UFC Strawweight title showdown at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, Dern reflects on overcoming giants before her MMA career.
Mackenzie Dern’s Journey from Grappling to MMA
Mackenzie Dern’s path in the world of combat sports is a testament to perseverance and skill. Before making waves as an UFC title contender, Dern was a star in the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). She rose through the ranks with remarkable success, winning multiple IBJJF World titles, No-Gi World championships, and even securing an ADCC gold medal. However, her biggest accomplishment didn’t come with a medal but with a victory over Gabi Garcia.
The Rivalry with Gabi Garcia
The rivalry between Dern and Garcia began at the 2013 Pan American Championship in Abu Dhabi. Standing six feet two inches tall and weighing nearly 100 pounds more than Dern, Garcia’s size and physical dominance quickly became apparent. The first meeting saw her lock in a clock choke to secure an early win.
Their next encounter came at the 2014 No-Gi Worlds, where Dern’s speed and technique gave her an initial edge. However, Garcia’s physical prowess prevailed once more as she used her Americana submission to win. Three more meetings followed in 2015, with Garcia continuing her winning streak via clock choke and bread cutter submissions.
A Turning Point: The Defeat That Changed Everything
The turning point in their rivalry came at the 2015 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Despite Garcia’s early control and physical dominance, a new rule prohibiting communication with referees during submissions provided Dern with an unexpected advantage. When Garcia spoke to the referee after securing a takedown, she was penalized for it, costing her the match.
Dern’s victory over Garcia in this pivotal moment sent shockwaves through the grappling world, marking a significant milestone in her journey from BJJ to MMA. It demonstrated that even against seemingly insurmountable odds, Dern could rise above and overcome giants—literally.
Preparation for UFC 321
As Dern prepares to fight for UFC gold at UFC 321 this Saturday, October 25, 2025, inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, her history with Garcia serves as a reminder of the challenges she has already faced. The upcoming title showdown against Virna Jandiroba will be Dern’s first opportunity to claim a championship belt and validate her skill set at the highest level of MMA. With a storied past in BJJ and now vying for an UFC title, Dern’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Her preparation for this fight reflects not just athletic prowess but also mental fortitude—traits that will be crucial as she pursues her ultimate goal: winning the UFC Strawweight championship.
