As Mackenzie Dern prepares to face the wrestling-heavy challenge of Loopy Godinez at UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist is determined to showcase a more composed and calculated approach in the octagon.
In a revealing interview, Dern opened up about the critical adjustments she’s been making to her mental game, acknowledging that her past losses stemmed primarily from an inability to control her emotions during the heat of battle.
“The biggest thing we’re trying to work on is just controlling the emotions,” Dern explained. “We kind of feel like that’s the biggest detail that’s been making me lose – not the technique, not the wrestling, not the striking, but just the fact that when I get hit or something, I sometimes stay in a brawl when I don’t need to. I make the fight harder than it needs to be.”
To help manage her in-fight emotions, Dern has turned to sports psychology, working with a specialist to develop strategies for maintaining her composure under pressure. Crucially, she’s also found an unexpected ally in the form of her young daughter, who will be in her corner for this Saturday’s clash.
“Having my daughter here, it helps to calm me down a little bit,” Dern revealed. “It keeps me focused. I’m always focused because it’s my job, but it kind of keeps me a little bit more relaxed and on my routine.”
Rather than embracing the brawler persona that has captivated fans in the past, Dern is determined to showcase a more calculated and technical approach against the wrestling-heavy Godinez. However, she assured that her signature fighting spirit remains intact, should she need to unleash it.
“If I need to brawl, I can go out there and brawl,” Dern said. “We all know I have that heart in there. But I want to have a long career, and I want to try and see everything. I think if I’m more rational and reasonable, I have everything it takes to be a champion.”
As Dern prepares to step into the octagon this Saturday, her focus is on maintaining control, executing her game plan, and proving that she has the mental fortitude to become a true champion. With her daughter by her side and a refined approach, Dern is poised to take a significant step towards realizing her championship dreams.
