Mackenzie Dern is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s strawweight division. Known for her incredible grappling skills and charismatic presence, Dern has risen as one of the most dynamic fighters in women’s MMA. Mackenzie Dern net worth, currently estimated to be over $1 million, highlights her consistent success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and endorsement deals.
This biography explores Mackenzie Dern’s life from her early roots to her rise in the UFC, emphasizing the professional milestones and personal experiences that shaped her into the fighter she is today.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Upbringing
Mackenzie Lynne Dern was born on March 24, 1993, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Raised in a family deeply connected to martial arts, Dern is the daughter of Wellington “Megaton” Dias, a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and champion. Growing up under his mentorship, Dern started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age, developing a passion that would define her career. Her dual Brazilian-American heritage played a significant role in her identity, and she is fluent in both English and Portuguese.
Education
While consistently immersed in combat sports, Dern balanced her upbringing with education. Her disciplined training regimen as a child left little room for a conventional school experience, but this singular focus helped her achieve an elite level in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before entering professional MMA.
Career Highlights
Dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Before transitioning to MMA, Mackenzie Dern enjoyed a prolific career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She compiled an impressive record of 75 wins, 25 losses, and 1 draw in BJJ tournaments, cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s best. Highlights of her grappling career include multiple gold medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan American Championship, and ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship.
Dern became the youngest female to win the ADCC World Championship, an accomplishment that garnered attention within and outside the martial arts community. Her success in grappling laid the foundation for her switch to mixed martial arts.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Dern transitioned to MMA in 2016, bringing her world-class ground game to the cage. She debuted as a professional fighter and won her first match via submission, immediately demonstrating her elite grappling skills. After accumulating a strong record, she joined the UFC in 2018.
Her UFC career has been marked by impressive victories against notable contenders such as Nina Nunes, Angela Hill, and Amanda Ribas. Known for her dynamic submission skills, she boasts a professional MMA record of 15-5-0 as of early 2025.
Mackenzie Dern Net Worth Through Fighting
Mackenzie Dern net worth, exceeding $1 million in 2024, is primarily attributed to her fight earnings, bonuses, and strong endorsement portfolio. Her biggest payday came during UFC Vegas 23, where she earned an estimated $164,000, bolstered by sponsorship bonuses and incentives.
Endorsement Deals
Outside the octagon, Dern has attracted significant endorsement deals with brands ranging from sportswear to fitness supplements. Companies such as War Tribe, Hayabusa, My Protein, KillCliff, and Kingz Kimonos have partnered with her, making her one of the most marketable athletes in the UFC.
Personal Life
Relationships and Family
Mackenzie Dern married professional surfer Wesley Santos in 2018, and the couple has a daughter named Moa. Despite their success as a power couple, Dern announced her separation and subsequent divorce in recent years. However, she has gracefully managed her personal and professional responsibilities, using her experiences to inspire her fans.
Height, Weight, and Physical Attributes
At 5’4″ (163 cm) and competing in the 115-pound (52 kg) strawweight division, Dern possesses a strong and athletic physique allied with elite grappling skills. Her reach of 63 inches adds versatility to her striking and submission techniques in the octagon.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 24, 1993 |
Place of Birth | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
Age | 31 |
Height | 5’4″ |
Weight | 115 lbs (52 kg) |
Reach | 63 inches |
Professional MMA Record | 15-5-0 |
Net Worth | $1 million |
Top Endorsements | War Tribe, My Protein, Hayabusa |
Challenges and Achievements
Personal Struggles
The fast-paced and physically demanding world of MMA brought its fair share of challenges for Dern. Balancing a professional fighting career with family life required discipline and sacrifice. Despite these struggles, she emerged stronger, setting an example for aspiring female athletes worldwide.
Professional Setbacks and Comebacks
Dern faced notable setbacks in her career with four losses in the UFC, including tough bouts against Jessica Andrade and Amanda Ribas. However, her resilience and determination have ensured strong comebacks, often winning “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses. Her victory against Angela Hill by unanimous decision stands as a testament to her stamina and tactical brilliance.
Legacy and Recognition
Mackenzie Dern’s legacy is characterized by her mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and her ability to adapt to the rigors of MMA. Her accolades include awards for “Submission of the Year” and recognition as one of the top strawweight fighters in UFC history. She continues representing her home gym, RVCA, while inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
Summary
Mackenzie Dern has carved a niche in the fiercely competitive world of MMA, earning respect through her incredible grappling ability and resilience. Mackenzie Dern net worth, currently over $1 million, reflects her success in and out of the octagon. From her humble beginnings as a prodigy in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to her rise as a UFC star, Dern’s story highlights the power of dedication and perseverance.