Mackenzie Dern Secures Sweet Revenge with Spectacular Armbar Submission at UFC Vegas 101

Mackenzie Dern delivered an unforgettable performance at UFC Vegas 101, finally avenging her loss to Amanda Ribas after over five years. The highly anticipated rematch in the main event showcased Dern’s exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu, proving why she remains one of the most dangerous grapplers in the straw weight division.

Their first meeting saw Ribas nullify Dern’s takedown attempts, leading to a decision victory for Ribas. This time, however, Dern dominated the grappling exchanges. From the opening round, she consistently brought the fight to the ground, where her skills truly shine. Ribas fought valiantly, defending from the bottom, but Dern’s relentless pressure eventually broke through.

The turning point came in the third round. After a series of exchanges on the ground, Dern saw her opportunity. From the bottom, she executed a brilliant reversal that put her in mount position. Sensing the moment to finish, Dern locked in a vicious armbar. Ribas held on as long as she could, but Dern’s precision and determination prevailed. With just four seconds left in the round, Ribas tapped, giving Dern her long-awaited victory.

“I’m happy, I wanted to get my submission record higher,” Dern said following her win. “We were able to get some takedowns. She’s such a tough fighter. From five years ago to get this win was heavy on me. I’m happy to get that [loss] off and to get two wins in a row.”

This victory marks a significant milestone for Dern, who now rides a two-fight win streak and solidifies her position among the top contenders in the strawweight division. Her performance serves as a reminder of her unparalleled ground game and her determination to keep climbing the ranks.

As Dern sets her sights on higher-ranked opponents in 2025, her message is clear: she’s ready to take on anyone in her path.