Mackenzie Dern Credits Poker for Enhanced Composure in UFC Title Defense

Mackenzie Dern, the reigning UFC strawweight champion, believes that her experience with poker has significantly improved her composure in the octagon. As she gears up for her first title defense against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330, Dern reflects on how the strategic card game has influenced her fighting style.

Throughout her career, Dern has faced challenges with maintaining composure during fights. After a promising start in the UFC, where she won six of her first seven bouts, a series of setbacks caused her to reassess her approach. Dern admits that her emotional responses often led to impulsive fighting, which hindered her performance.

In 2024, Dern began playing no-limit Texas hold'em poker, a decision that coincided with a turnaround in her fighting career. Since incorporating poker into her life, she has won three consecutive fights, culminating in her championship victory over Virna Jandiroba last October. She credits the game for teaching her emotional control and strategic thinking, skills that she has successfully integrated into her training and competition.

Dern highlights the importance of patience in poker, stating that it has helped her remain calm under pressure. She draws parallels between reading opponents in poker and in fighting, noting that both require a keen understanding of emotional dynamics. As she prepares for her upcoming match, Dern is eager to apply these lessons in her title defense.

While Dern has found success through poker, she is aware of the potential risks associated with gambling, citing studies that indicate a significant percentage of regular players may experience gambling-related issues. Nonetheless, she remains focused on using her newfound skills to enhance her performance in the octagon.