Dern Pumps Brakes On Rodriguez Fight

UFC President Dana White recently told the combat sports media that streaking strawweight sensation Mackenzie Dern was expected to face fellow 115-pound rising star Marina Rodriguez at some point over the next few months.

Then again, maybe not.

“There is nothing official on both sides, it was a suggestion,” Dern told Ag Fight (transcribed by Adam Martin). “After the fight with Nina (Nunes), Mick (Maynard) asked when I would like to fight and I said until August, because I want to fight three more times a year, so it would be a time that I could, of course without injuries. They offered Marina for July 31, in the main event. I was surprised because Marina had just fought five rounds with Michelle (Waterson) and I was amazed that she was ready. But then Mick said that she would do it only in September and I am open to fight before. If you want me to fight in July, hopefully it will be a main event and then September, it would be ideal.”

Rodriguez and Dern are ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

Dern (11-1), still just 28, is the winner of four straight, three of which ended by way of first-round submission. As for the 34 year-old Rodriguez (14-1-2), she’s coming off back-to-back wins over Amanda Ribas and Michelle Waterson.