Mackenzie Dern targets big-name clash after UFC 321, saying she’s ready to ‘beat the best’

After her historic win in Abu Dhabi, Mackenzie Dern became just the second fighter to have both an ADCC and Jiu-Jitsu World Cup gold medal as well as a UFC title, joining Fabricio Werdum in that exclusive club.

Looking to add to her legacy, the Arizona native told Ariel Helwani that a fight against Chinese star Zhang Weili is at the top of her list.

“I’m not gonna be like a baby champion. I wanna be like whatever they [the UFC] want us to do – you know what I mean? We’ll be ready, and we’ll train for that. I wanna beat the best – I am the best right now, but I wanna be able to beat whoever is coming.

“…I think like probably someone with a win streak. I think (Zhang) Weili, even if she was to lose to Valentina (Shevchenko), but her win streak – like her being the former champion, that makes sense. And then Tatiana (Suarez) is coming off a win.”

Mackenzie Dern vows to stay busy during title reign

After having her career slowed down due to pregnancy, Dern is eager to stay busy now that she is on top of the division. She shared a special moment with her daughter Moa after her latest win and wants to build on that momentum.

The 32-year-old is already open to facing former champion Weili and believes more time in the gym will only make her stronger as she settles into life as a champion.

Dern said: “If I can get to the organization and everything I did for this camp and just continue that for 2 months, 6 months, a whole year, 3 years… Imagine the type of beast I could become.”