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Victory and defeat are as inevitable as the punches thrown in the octagon. Mackenzie Dern, the talented strawweight contender, recently experienced the bitter taste of defeat at UFC 295 against Jessica Andrade. However, in true sportsmanship fashion, Dern faced the music, issuing a heartfelt apology to her fans and reflecting on the first knockout loss of her career.
As the dust settled after a grueling second-round stoppage, Dern took to Instagram to address her performance and express her regrets. In a candid admission, she acknowledged the toughness of her opponent, saying,
“Hey guys, so I’m sorry about the loss. I’m sorry about the fight. I tried my best, but Jessica’s tough. I got hit, and it is what it is. You can only lose if you fight.”
The bout itself was a rollercoaster for Dern, who started with an early takedown but couldn't maintain control. Despite landing a few powerful shots on Andrade, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion found herself unable to weather the storm of Andrade's relentless attacks. The defeat marked a seesaw pattern for Dern, now standing at 2-3 in her last five fights.
Adding to the challenge, this was Dern's first fight with a new team after her former gym closed down, including the departure of head coach Jason Parillo. Despite the setbacks, Dern expressed gratitude for the support she received and apologized if she upset any of her fans.
“I appreciate all the support,” Dern said. “I’m sorry if I upset anyone. I know a lot of you guys believed in me, but I’ll be back stronger. I learn for this and let’s go, we’re still going to go after the belt.”
With a record now at 13-4 overall and an 8-4 resume in the UFC, Mackenzie Dern's journey in the octagon continues. This defeat is not an end but a chapter in her story, a lesson learned that will propel her forward with newfound strength and determination.
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