Exploring a Post-MMA Career Path

Mackenzie Dern, a prominent figure in the UFC strawweight division, is already contemplating her professional life after stepping away from the octagon. The 33-year-old athlete recently shared that she is highly receptive to the idea of joining the WWE once her MMA career concludes.

During her appearance at the UFC 331 red carpet event at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Dern expressed her enthusiasm for the sports entertainment industry.

“Oh yeah, that’d be fun. So much fun,”
she remarked, specifically citing the success of legends like the Bella Twins as a source of inspiration for a future transition.


Dream Scenarios and Rivalries

While discussing potential opponents in a professional wrestling setting, Dern highlighted a specific fantasy matchup. Despite the weight class differences between the two, she noted that an exhibition bout against Ronda Rousey would be an incredible opportunity. Historically, Rousey has competed in higher weight divisions, such as bantamweight and featherweight, compared to Dern’s strawweight status, making the hypothetical scenario a compelling topic for fans.


Balancing Athletics and Motherhood

Outside of the cage, Dern is dedicated to raising her 7-year-old daughter, Moa. For Dern, the decision to become a mother while still competing was intentional. She emphasized the importance of instilling life lessons through the lens of professional sports:

  • Teaching the value of sacrifice beyond just wins and losses.
  • Instilling discipline and the ability to handle adversity.
  • Maintaining a strong, supportive bond between mother and child.

Future Aspirations for Her Daughter

Although she values the character-building aspects of MMA, Dern admitted she does not necessarily want her daughter to pursue fighting as a career. Instead, she expressed a preference for Moa to remain connected to the industry in a different capacity.

“I don’t even want her to be a fighter,”
Dern explained.
“If she can just be around the sport maybe as a journalist, doing interviews with the fighters—she knows what she’s talking about.”