How Mackenzie Dern’s surprise hobby made her into a ‘better fighter’ ahead of UFC 321 title win

Mackenzie Dern credited poker for improving her ‘patience’ ahead of UFC 321

Before having Dana White wrap the strawweight belt around her waist at UFC 321, Mackenzie Dern made some interesting comments regarding her newest hobby away from the cage.

During a fight week interview with MAM Fighting, Dern revealed her new passion for poker, and the Arizona-born fighter even suggested the game has taught her qualities that have only aided things inside the Octagon.

“Poker’s helped me control my emotions,” Dern said.

“I’m very impulsive, but in poker, you have to learn patience — folding, reading people, waiting for the right moment. It’s helped me become a better fighter, to be honest.

“I started playing about a year ago, and since then, I’m on a two-fight win streak. I think there’s a correlation there,” she added.

Mackenzie Dern followed in heavyweight legend’s footsteps at UFC 321

With her victory at Etihad Arena on October 25, Dern joined an elite club.

She became just the second fighter in history and first woman to win a UFC championship, ADCC title, and IBJJF black-belt world championships both with and without gi.

That accolade was first secured by Fabricio Werdum. The Brazilian completed the feat at UFC 180 in 2014, where Werdum knocked out Mark Hunt to become interim heavyweight champion.

Werdum later submitted Cain Velasquez to start his short reign as undisputed titleholder.