Mackenzie Dern discusses pivotal loss that shaped her UFC career
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 5:01 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Mackenzie Dern reflected on her career path, citing her loss to Yan Xiaonan in October 2022 as crucial to her development as a fighter. Following a narrow majority decision defeat, Dern recognized the need to adapt her mindset from a Brazilian jiu-jitsu focus to a more well-rounded approach to MMA, understanding the importance of how judges evaluate fights. Since that loss, Dern has evolved and ultimately became the UFC strawweight champion. She will make her first title defense against Gillian Robertson in the co-main event at UFC 330 on Saturday in Philadelphia.
- •Dern lost to Yan Xiaonan in October 2022 by majority decision.
- •The loss prompted a shift in Dern's fighting mentality towards MMA.
- •She became the UFC strawweight champion in October 2025.
- •Dern will defend her title against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330.
- •The fight takes place Saturday in Philadelphia.
- 5:01 PMYahoo Sports — Mackenzie Dern reveals pivotal loss that helped her reach UFC title
"Of her five losses, Mackenzie Dern considers one to be the most pivotal of her career. Because without it, she might not be a UFC champion.
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