The best and worst from UFC 222

#3 Worst: Mackenzie Dern shows that it’s hard being a prospect

Mackenzie Dern won her UFC debut but struggled in the process

There was a lot of hype around Mackenzie Dern coming into her UFC debut, largely because of her stellar background in submission grappling – at just 24 years old she’d already won gold medals in the World Jiu-Jitsu championships as well as the prestigious Abu Dhabi Submission World championship – as well as her good looks.

At just 5-0 though – largely beating overmatched opponents – a lot of analysts figured that it was too soon for her to move to the UFC. And for the most part, they were proven right. Dern won a split decision over opponent Ashley Yoder, but struggled on the feet – being dropped in the second round – and couldn’t get many takedowns either.

She earned the win with her aggressive nature and by dominating the closing stages of the third round on the ground, but she didn’t look like a world-beater. And this was against an opponent who was 0-2 in the UFC. Dern probably needs more seasoning on the smaller circuit, but what choice did the UFC have but to sign her now? They can’t risk her signing with Bellator, after all.

Personally I feel like there’s a case to be made for the UFC using developmental contracts for cases like Dern – sign her to a deal to prevent Bellator from getting her, but allow her skills to grow in the smaller promotions before bringing her into the UFC – otherwise it might be a case where she has to fight another three Yoder-level opponents before stepping up.

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