Sometimes, UFC Fight Night main events fly under the radar and seem to lack excitement from certain fans. Yet as the night of the fight inches closer; you can’t help but feel the anticipation begin to grow. UFC Vegas 39 was no different, with a fight between two of the top strawweights in the division, Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez, topping the bill. Both could potentially see themselves in a contender position with a win inside the UFC Apex on Saturday.
The submission wizard that is Mackenzie Dern had a chance to shine once again at UFC Vegas 39, but this time under the bright lights of the main event. Marina Rodriguez’s style was a massive threat to Dern’s championship aspirations, but with a record of 11-1, and incredible grappling credentials, she appears built for main event status. She also rode a four-fight win streak into the event.
Marina Rodriguez has been on the rise a little while now, and what a way to make a splash in the division. She could switch positions with Dern in the rankings with a win at UFC Vegas 39 and maybe get the buzz around her name when it comes to title contention talk.
After being in danger of the elite grappling that Mackenzie Dern possesses in the second round, Marina Rodriguez settled down and did not give her opponent any momentum. Rodriguez picked Dern apart on the feet, and the underdog cruised to an unanimous decision win.
PROS GIVE THEIR TAKE
Check out how the pros reacted to the UFC Vegas 39 main event between Marina Rodriguez and Mackenzie Dern.
Awesome fight girls 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 congrats @wmmarz
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) October 9, 2021
Great fight between both ladies. Congrats @wmmarz 👊🏼
— Raquel Pennington (@RockyPMMA) October 9, 2021
Big win for Marina Rodriguez!!#UFCVegas39
— Herbert Burns (@HerbertBurnsMMA) October 9, 2021
Some feints would’ve done Dern well in this fight. Too much chasing and predictable attacks for Rodriguez to read and cut angles out of danger. Fun fight still. Both ladies showed some serious threats in both their worlds of experience #UFCVegas39
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 9, 2021
49-46 Rodriguez, very good striking and very intelligent. dern very well too #UFCVegas39 @ufc
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) October 9, 2021
Rodriguez is really good in the forward blitz’s.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) October 9, 2021
Give me marina vs Valentina in a kickboxing match
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 9, 2021
👀👀🔥 #UFCVegas39
— Amanda Ribas (@amandaribasufc) October 9, 2021
I’m a fan. Her skills are raw but her effort is as good as any. https://t.co/iY8QAh1LBJ
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) October 9, 2021
