Returning to the Octagon for the first time since her first career loss back in October to Amanda Ribas, Mackenzie Dern reminded UFC fans that she's still a dominant force. Entering UFC Fight Night 176 as the clear cut favorite, Dern took care of business quickly, submitting Hannah Cifers in the first round.
Hannah Cifers came out with some spirit and even caught Dern with a few shots. The aggressiveness seemed to catch Dern a bit by surprise as she was forced into the fence. Her experience kept her calm though and she managed to get herself free and out of danger.
From there, she did the smart thing; the world-class Jiu-Jitsu artist took the fight to the mat. Once that happened, it was all over for Cifers. Dern worked quickly and locked in the kneebar, forcing Cifers to tap at 2:36 of round one. Dern found herself in UFC record books with the win, becoming the first fighter in women's UFC history to win by leglock submission.
“It feels so good,” Dern said after the fight. “I’m so happy to get the submission. Jiu-jitsu is always going to save me.”
Dern has been considered a rising contender for the strawweight division. While her loss to Ribas set her back a bit, it was only a temporary speed bump. She quickly reminded fans why she is a top prospect.