UFC’s Mackenzie Dern Says Having Child Made Her Higher Fighter, ‘Extra Targeted’

UFC star Mackenzie Dern says she’s a greater combat NOW than ever earlier than — and it is all as a result of she’s a mother.

The 27-year-old jiu-jitsu specialist — who gave beginning to her daughter again in June 2019 — gained 2 of her final 3 fights after returning to the Octagon.

Now, she’s gearing as much as combat Virna Jandiroba at UFC 256 on Dec. 12 and feels extra harmful than ever.

She’s additionally proper on schedule to EASILY make weight on Friday — one thing she struggled mightily with previously.

Actually, Dern famously got here in 7 kilos chubby for her Could 2018 combat towards Amanda Cooper and was docked 30% of her combat purse.

So, what’s modified? Dern says having a toddler and getting married compelled her to develop up.

Dern tells TMZ Sports activities she’s extra centered, extra mature and extra skilled since beginning a household. She’s married to professional surfer Wesley Santos.

“Earlier than my daughter was born, I assumed I used to be centered on the time, [but] now I see how [I was] form of a little bit extra rebellious [when I was younger].”

Dern admits she lived a extra carefree life-style earlier than her daughter was born — partying, touring, and so forth. — “I used to be single, I did not have this help household to maintain you grounded.”

However now, Dern says she’s laser-focused and is gunning for a title shot — which is extra practical now than ever earlier than.

“I actually see the potential to be the champion,” Dern says … “I see the title. I can see it. Now it is in my imaginative and prescient.”