UFC Vegas 73 main event fight against Angela Hill, Mackenzie Dern was refreshingly honest about the troubles she faced during her training camp. Most fighters would prefer to keep their difficulties private, but Dern spoke candidly, revealing that her camp had been anything but calm. With her divorce from Brazilian surfer Wesley Santos causing added stress, and her coach Jason Parillo absent for a month to train Luke Rockhold for a bareknuckle fight,
Dern thought about all the potential pitfalls of entering the cage to fight. Nevertheless, she is incredibly motivated to win and achieve her dream of being a champion that fans remember and pay to watch.
Dern is conscious of the attention and expectations that have been placed on her since the beginning of her career. She understands that it takes time to learn a new sport and is comfortable with her journey, even if it is tough at times. With Parillo out of the picture, Dern enlisted the help of MMA fighter Antonio Trocoli as one of her main coaches for UFC Vegas 73.
Recognizing that Hill is a dangerous fighter given her experience and several controversial decisions, Dern is not taking her lightly. She knows she needs to control her life and chase her dream to avoid losing a decision. A win over Hill takes her a step closer to the top 5, with Dern already considering potential opponents such as Rose Namajunas.
Dern is a fighter who isn’t afraid to acknowledge the difficulties she’s faced in her pursuit of greatness. Her honesty and frankness make her even more admirable, as she pushes forward with her sights firmly set on becoming a champion that fans will never forget.