Mackenzie Dern has detailed why she is bringing her dog with her throughout UFC Vegas 101 fight week.
The fan favorite strawweight is looking for a chance at redemption on Saturday when she takes on Amanda Ribas at the Apex in Las Vegas. Back in 2019, the Brazilian took her undefeated record, and set her on an up-and-down path throughout the promotion.
However, after getting back to winning ways last time out against Lupita Godinez, Dern is confident that with her best friend at her side she can turn it around.
Mackenzie Dern explains why she is bringing emotional support dog to UFC Vegas 101
Mackenzie Dern has made the Apex her home in the post-pandemic UFC, fighting at the controversial venue no fewer than seven times since it was introduced for major fight nights. She returns for this main event knowing that she must leave no stone unturned in order to get revenge.
“He helps me a lot just being comfortable and I’m kind of trying to stay as calm as I can,” she told the press after arriving at media day with her massive dog. “I think what I’m most needing in my fights is composure, and to kind of just go into the Apex one more time and just feel like it’s a training session
“He goes to the gym with me and everything like that and Moa [Dern’s five-year-old daughter] is going to be here on Friday. So it’s kind of the best way to just keep me relaxed and not getting all my nerves up too high.”
Mackenzie Dern details how her career changed after first Amanda Ribas loss
At the time of her fight with Amanda Ribas, Dern was just a few months removed from giving birth to her first daughter. She was also part of a team which she has since left, and was considerably less experienced in the octagon, meaning this is a very different contest on Saturday.
“I feel like I was such a different person back then,” she added. “It doesn’t even feel like that was me. I feel like I’m a totally different person. And it was three rounds. I think we’re at totally different phases of our careers. I’ve evolved in striking and wrestling and takedowns, just so much experience.”
Asked if she regrets fighting so close to giving birth, she admitted: “A little bit, yeah. I think I still would have losses in my career, and I’m still happy with where I’m at today.
“I think it’s what made me be who I am today, so I can’t say ‘I totally regret it,’ but I think if I could go back again, I would wait a little bit longer.”