After a couple of fights down that earned her pretty heavy criticism, Mackenzie Dern appeared to bounce back at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, earning a unanimous decision win over Loopy Godinez.
The grappling prowess of Dern was on full display in the first round, nearly locking in an armbar attempt that appeared it’d be tight and could have snapped Godinez’s arm. The Mexican, however, battled back in the second round, with the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist’s lack of striking defense, which has earned her the previously mentioned criticism, rearing its head again.
The third round was closely contested, with Dern landing stronger strikes — though some may feel Godinez landed cleaner ones — and landing another takedown.
Ultimately, Dern took the decision with 29-28 scores on all three judges’ scorecards.
Mackenzie Dern Gets Nod In Close Battle With Loopy Godinez At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
The result marks Dern’s first win in just over a year after back-to-back troubling performances against Jéssica Andrade and Amanda Lemos.
Godinez, meanwhile, has now lost back-to-back fights herself after a four-fight win streak.
