Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres is set to go down at UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. Korean Zombie on Saturday 9th April 2022.
Mackenzie Dern is the No. 5-ranked women’s strawweight contender. Dern is coming off a decision loss to contender Marina Rodriguez in the headline fight at UFC Vegas 39. That defeat snapped a four-fight winning streak for the 29-year-old.
Dern has power in her hands and a solid chin but she is at her best on the mat. She is a former ADCC and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, and widely considered an elite grappler in her division and four out of her last five wins came via submission.
On the other hand, the “Tony Tornado” Tecia Torres is on a three-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Angela Hill by decision last August.
The 32-year-old is best on her feet. She is very agile and uses her speed to move in and out of range while throwing combinations.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres stats
Mackenzie Dern | vs | Tecia Torres |
28 | Age | 32 |
13 | Fights | 21 |
11 | Wins | 13 |
2 | Losses | 5 |
0 | KO’s | 1 |
7 | Subs | 1 |
5′ 4 | Height (in) | 5′ 1 |
63 | Reach (in) | 61 |
Dern vs. Torres Fight Breakdown
Mackenzie Dern might be the best grappler in women’s MMA today. Her ability to establish position before even worrying about strikes or transitions sets her apart. She also has a strong ground control, which has won her many fights.
Mackenzie has made improvements in her striking as well but it is still a work in progress. Her footwork and technique are becoming crisper with every fight. Her overhands especially have some devastating power when they land. The biggest hole in her striking is her inability to set up her strikes and she often gets countered while trying to throw naked kicks.
On the other hand, Torres’ greatest asset is that she has the rare ability to maintain a high pace while also being one of the most explosive in the division. She has some good techniques on feet that can eventually wear out in a striking heavy fight.
Torres needs to stay consistent with her footwork. Fghting out of a grappling scenario with Dern might be troublesome for Torres. She has to make reads and exploit Dern’s habits on the feet, and even though both have good cardio, Dern is more likely to fade than Torres.
Who will win between Mackenzie Dern vs Tecia Torres at UFC 273?
Torres can pick Dern apart with her striking and wear her out. She will need her excellent footwork to dictate the fight and octagon presence if she can avoid Dern’s best shots and exploit her weaknesses on her feet. She has excellent cardio and being a better striker I believe she can outstrike Dern and get a decision win.
Dern might try to close the distance early or at least do some early damage and also she needs to win the first round. A decision favors Torres because her goal is to go the distance and it might if none of the women gets to finish each other.
Dern’s key to her victory is her elite ground skills. She will have her way with the smaller Torres. Also, the biggest hole in Torres’ game is the frequent spin attacks that can make her vulnerable to a counter. If Dern manages to anticipate those, she can take the fight to the ground and look for a way to get a submission.
Prediction: Mackenzie Dern via submission