Mackenzie Dern gets a big advice from the coach of Khabib Nurmagomedov

28 February 2024

In the world of combat sports, a loss can sometimes carry more weight than a win, particularly when it comes to displaying heart, skill, and determination inside the octagon. Such was the case for Mackenzie Dern at UFC 298, where despite facing defeat against Amanda Lemos, her performance earned admiration and valuable advice from renowned MMA coach Javier Mendez.

Dern, known for her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, engaged in a spirited battle against Lemos, ultimately falling short in a unanimous decision loss. However, her relentless effort in the Fight of the Night bout did not go unnoticed, drawing praise from Mendez and other observers within the MMA community.

Speaking on his podcast on YouTube, Mendez expressed his anticipation for the Dern vs. Lemos matchup, citing his high regard for Dern's skills and fighting spirit. While acknowledging her mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mendez highlighted a crucial aspect where Dern could further elevate her game.

"I really wanted to see the Mackenzie Dern fight. I really wanted to see that fight because I really like her. I think she’s an incredible fighter, and just I think it’s one of those things where she just needs to learn how to fight to her best abilities," Mendez remarked.

Despite Dern's proficiency in grappling, Mendez noted a deficiency in her takedown execution, preventing her from fully leveraging her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. He emphasized the importance of Dern utilizing her strengths to control the fight and dictate the pace, urging her to focus on improving her takedowns to complement her BJJ skills.

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While lauding Dern's courageous performance at UFC 298, Mendez's advice underscores the ongoing journey of improvement for the talented fighter. With determination and strategic refinement, Dern has the potential to harness her skills and bounce back stronger in future bouts, solidifying her status as a formidable presence in the UFC strawweight division