Mackenzie Dern expects both good and bad publicity after UFC on ESPN+ 19 weigh-ins

TAMPA, Fla. – Mackenzie Dern has built up a reputation as having a flare for the dramatic when it comes to stepping on the scale.

In her seven career pro fights, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has missed weight three times. At an official UFC media day held Thursday, Dern (7-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) emphasized she will hit the mark on the scales for her fight against Amanda Ribas (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on Saturday.

The two strawweights square off at UFC on ESPN+ 19, which takes place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The card streams on ESPN+.

While some fighters are protective of their weight, especially during fight week, Dern wasn’t afraid to share what she saw on the scale when she woke up Thursday morning.

“I woke up this morning at 117, so one more pound to 116 or two to 115,” Dern told MMA Junkie. “I’m feeling good. I’ll do a training today. I had a good breakfast and I probably won’t eat too much the rest of the day just to wake up good.”

The contest against Ribas will signify the first time Dern has stepped into the cage since giving birth in June. Dern actually credits her pregnancy with her newfound weigh-cut success.

Even if she makes the weight Friday morning, Dern expects to receive criticism. She doesn’t think critics will be willing to let go of the fact that she has missed in the past. Dern said she isn’t going to let the fault-finding get to her.

“I think it will be good and bad because I think they’ll say, ‘See? She wasn’t focused before,”‘ Dern said. “They’re going to say, ‘See? She isn’t really a professional athlete because when she wants to, she can make weight.’ Every time I didn’t make weight, I can promise I really wish that I did make weight. I was trying my hardest to make the weight, but I messed up somewhere in the camp or I ate too much one day.

“Something. In the end it wasn’t coming off. It’s not like I want it more or not, but definitely I think the pregnancy helps me a lot. I think we’ll quiet a lot of people with that, but I know that after they’re are always going to be critics. Like, ‘See? Her striking isn’t good or something.’ So I’m prepared for anything.”