Mackenzie Dern Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Height, UFC Record, BJJ Titles, Daughter

Mackenzie Lynne Dern, known as Mackenzie Dern, is an American-Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, celebrated for her exceptional grappling skills in the UFC women’s strawweight division.

A former world No. 1 ranked IBJJF competitor and ADCC World Champion, she transitioned to MMA in 2016, debuting in the UFC in 2018.

With a record of 15 wins and 5 losses, including eight submission victories, Dern is recognized for her dynamic ground game and resilience, earning multiple UFC Performance of the Night awards.

Profile

• Full Name: Mackenzie Lynne Dern
• Stage Name: Mackenzie Dern
• Born: 24, March 1993
• Age: 32 years old
• Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
• Nationality: American and Brazilian
• Occupation: Mixed Martial Artist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Wellington “Megaton” Dias and Mrs. Dern
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Wesley Santos (m. 2019–2022)
• Boyfriends: Antonio Trocoli (ex)
• Children: Moa Dern Santos
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Mackenzie Lynne Dern was born on March 24, 1993, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Wellington “Megaton” Dias, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and Mrs. Dern, whose details are not publicly known. Information about her siblings is unavailable.

Raised between Arizona and Brazil, she began training in BJJ at age three under her father and stepmother, Luciana Tavares, a BJJ black belt.

Dern attended Ironwood High School in Glendale, Arizona, but did not pursue higher education, focusing instead on her martial arts career. Her ethnicity is American-Brazilian, and her religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Mackenzie Dern began her career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under her father’s guidance and competing in adult divisions by age 14. She became the only female to win gold medals at all five major IBJJF Gi Championships at black belt level, including the World Championships and ADCC World Championship in 2015.

Her notable victory over Gabi Garcia, despite a significant weight difference, marked her as a BJJ prodigy. Dern transitioned to MMA in 2016, debuting at Legacy FC 58 with a unanimous decision win over Kenia Rosas, and later signed with Invicta Fighting Championship, where she won by submission in 2017.

Joining the UFC in 2018, Dern debuted at UFC 222, defeating Ashley Yoder via split decision. Despite early challenges with weight cuts, missing the strawweight limit three times, she secured notable victories, including a first-round submission over Amanda Cooper at UFC 224.

Her 2020 kneebar win over Hannah Cifers made her the first woman to secure a leg lock finish in UFC history, earning her a Performance of the Night award. She continued to shine with submission wins over Randa Markos and Nina Nunes, amassing seven UFC post-fight bonuses, tying with Ronda Rousey for the second-most by a female fighter. Her striking improved, though her grappling remained her hallmark.

Dern’s career remains vibrant, with a recent submission victory over Loopy Godinez in January 2025, boosting her to #5 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings. Her rematch against Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night 249 showcased her growth, avenging a 2019 loss with a submission win.

Despite setbacks, including a 2024 loss to Amanda Lemos, Dern’s resilience and elite BJJ skills keep her a top contender, with aspirations for a UFC title shot. Her return to competitive grappling in 2024 at the Craig Jones Invitational, though resulting in a loss to Ffion Davies, underscored her enduring influence in both MMA and BJJ.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mackenziedern
• Facebook Handle: Mackenzie Dern
• Twitter Handle: @MackenzieDern

Personal Life

Mackenzie Lynne Dern married professional surfer Wesley Santos in 2019, and they welcomed their daughter, Moa, in June 2019. The couple divorced in 2022 amid a publicized legal battle, with Dern alleging domestic abuse, which Santos denied.

She later dated her MMA coach, Antonio Trocoli, until their relationship ended following his 2024 arrest for allegedly assaulting Santos. Dern, now single, resides in Los Angeles, California, and is an avid dog lover, often featuring her two American bulldogs in interviews.

Net Worth

Mackenzie Lynne Dern has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her primary income sources include UFC fight purses, with notable earnings like $164,000 for her win over Nina Nunes and $350,000 from seven UFC post-fight bonuses.