Competing for the second time since giving birth, Mackenzie Dern made history Saturday night at UFC on ESPN 9.
Dern scored the first-ever leg-lock submission in the history of female fighting inside the Octagon.
The new mom locked up a kneebar on Hannah Cifers to open the main card on ESPN from the UFC Apex.
“It feels so good,” Dern said. “I am so happy to get the submission. She is a strong girl.”
Dern, who gave birth to a daughter last year, suffered a defeat in her first fight back from taking time off to have Moa with husband Wesley Santos, a professional surfer. The win moved her record to 8-1 overall with five victories via submission.
“Jiu-jitsu always is going to save me,” Dern said. “I have been doing that on training all the time. Leg locks have always been my specialty.”
As for what could be next, Dern said she wants to stay active.
“Dana (White) said your career is short,” Dern said. “So let me fight. Let me get in. Next month, June, July I’m ready.”
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