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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 11: Mackenzie Dern poses on the scale during the UFC 256 weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 11, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 11: Mackenzie Dern poses on the scale during the UFC 256 weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 11, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC strawweight Mackenzie Dern will make her first appearance in 2022 when she takes to the octagon at UFC 273 in April. She will fight Tecia Torres on April 9 in a yet-to-be-determined location. This clash between two top 10 ranked strawweights will be a major opportunity for both women to make a run towards the gold strap.
MMA Junkie confirmed this booking with sources close to the situation and it seems like this fight will come to fruition.
I got my Top 5 fight 🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪 Cracking into that Top 5 April 9th at #UFC273 👊🏽 #TeamTiny #ToTheTop #TorresVsDern #LetsGo #ThisIsMyYear #Climbing @ufc pic.twitter.com/tvyY4OsZGE
— Tecia Torres (@TeciaTorres) January 12, 2022
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Moreover, ‘The Tiny Tornado’ Torres took to social media recently and confirmed her bout with Dern as well. Chiefly, she expressed her excitement over having an opportunity to break into the top 5.
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UFC 273: Mackenzie Dern vs Tecia Torres
Dern went 4-1 since 2020 and lost her most recent scrap to Marina Rodriguez on October 9, 2021, via unanimous decision. In what was her first main event showcase, she failed to extend her winning streak to 5. However, she still remains a threat, as she was on a hot submission streak before that.
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 12: (L-R) Mackenzie Dern punches Virna Jandiroba of Brazil in their women’s strawweight bout during the UFC 256 event at UFC APEX on December 12, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Dern remains a constant threat every time the fight hits the canvas and she’ll likely enter with the strength advantage. Moreover, her striking has improved drastically with each fight and she’ll be confident in her ability to stand and trade.
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Tecia Torres has fought nothing but elite competition, having faced Paige VanZant and Rose Namajunas in her second and third outing, respectively. Notably, she won both those fights in Invicta FC and began her UFC journey on the right foot.
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During 2018-2019, Tecia Torres had a rough patch in her career, going 0-4 in that time period. However, she has since managed to put together a three-fight win streak and a win over Dern would be a major boost. ‘The Tiny Tornado’ certainly possesses the dynamism to make a meaningful run if she can build up some momentum.
What do you make of this UFC 273 strawweight bout? Let us know in the comments.
