In an exclusive interview, UFC star Mackenzie Dern provided insights into the ongoing rift between the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship and the emerging Craig Jones Invitational. As a decorated grappler, Dern shed light on her decision to compete in the Craig Jones event instead of the ADCC this year.
Dern, who has previously held the coveted ADCC title, acknowledged the significance of the tournament. “ADCC is like tradition, and I think so many people respect that title,” she said. However, the allure of the unique format and lucrative prize money offered by the Craig Jones Invitational proved enticing.
The Craig Jones event features a more streamlined format, with three five-minute rounds and a 10-point scoring system, in contrast to the marathon battles characteristic of ADCC. Moreover, the substantial prize purse was a key factor in Dern’s decision-making process. “They offered a big purse just for one super fight, and that’s the rule set and everything that really fit my style,” she explained.
While Dern remains committed to her UFC career, she recognized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach. “I already have the ADCC title, and since I’m kind of coming back, the Craig Jones actually ended up being a style matchup very similar to my MMA,” she said.
Dern’s perspective on the rivalry between the two events suggests that healthy competition can push the sport of grappling to new heights. “I think rivalry and competition is always good because I think it kind of pushes each other, the organizations, to just keep building,” she said.
However, Dern also acknowledged the need to preserve the prestige of established tournaments like ADCC. “I think there’s certain competitions that it keeps the prestige when you don’t have kids, you know?” she said, hinting at the fact that real life takes money.
Ultimately, Dern’s decision to compete in the Craig Jones Invitational reflects her desire to explore new challenges while maintaining her focus on her UFC obligations. As the grappling landscape continues to evolve, Dern’s insights offer a unique perspective on the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the sport.
