In the first of two world title bouts that headlined the UFC 330 event, women’s strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern took on No. 4 ranked contender Gillian Robertson in the fight card’s co-main event.
Dern captured the title last October, defeating Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision at UFC 321. She carried a three-fight winning streak with her to her first title defense. Robertson entered the fight riding a five-fight winning streak and a heap of confidence.
Stylistically, the matchup pitted two submission specialists against each other. Dern, a multiple-time world champion jiu-jitsu practitioner, has won half of her fights by submission. The Canadian challenger holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC women’s history.
Dern came out looking to land her jab. She pressed forward with a combination. Robertson looked to get the fight to the ground. Dern stuffed the attempt. Robertson went for another takedown but was too far out. Dern connected with a left hand followed by a hard leg kick. Dern invested in leg kicks. She pressed forward with a combination, changed levels and took Robertson down. Dern stood and landed punches. She dropped into half guard. She took Robertson’s back. She applied a rear-naked choke. Robertson held on until the end of the round. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Dern.
Dern continued to utilize her jab. She delivered a kick to the body and took Robertson down. She worked from the half guard position before moving to side control. Robertson rolled and gave up her back. Dern got both hooks in and applied a rear-naked choke. Robertson defended and ended up on top midway through the frame. Dern worked to isolate a leg. They exchanged hammer fists while Dern continued to free up Robertson’s leg. Dern gave up on the leg at the end of the round. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Dern.
Robertson pressed forward to start the third. Dern met her with a combination. Dern went back to landing leg kicks. Robertson pressed forward. Dern looked for a takedown but Robertson defended the attempt. Robertson landed with an uppercut. Dern delivered knees to the legs of Robertson along the cage before separating. Robertson began pressuring the champion. She landed a left hand. Robertson connected with a combination. Dern responded with a leg kick. Dern changed levels and put Robertson on her back in the final minute. She stood over her before dropping in with punches. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Dern.
Dern took the fight to Robertson in the fourth. She closed the distance and took Robertson down. She took Robertson’s back and applied a body triangle. Dern peppered Robertson with short punches. She dominated Robertson on the ground. Robertson rolled and gained top position. She connected with an elbow. Dern looked for an armbar. Robertson defended the submission attempt. She postured up and delivered a series of punches. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Dern.
They met in the middle to start the final frame. Robertson pressed forward and clinched. They worked for position along the cage. She secured a takedown with just under four minutes on the clock. Dern was active off her back preventing Robertson from inflicting damage. Robertson delivered punches and short elbows. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Robertson.
The judges scored the fight for Dern via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.