Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Mackenzie Dern returned in dramatic fashion earlier tonight (Sat., May 30, 2020) live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, to end battle-tested veteran Hannah Cifers via first-round submission (kneebar). It was the first kneebar finish in the history of any UFC women’s division.
Dern had some early trouble with Cifers’ pressure and combinations, but eventually scored a takedown. Cifers was quick to get back to her feet but Dern was able to grab a hold of her leg. The Brazilian submission specialist applied pressure and Cifers fell to the ground. That’s when Dern extended the knee and forced the tap.
Check out the rare women’s finish above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
With this performance, Dern makes a big return to the Octagon and gets back into the 115-pound win column after losing a tough decision to rising contender Amanda Ribas back in October. Dern remains one of the most promising names on the UFC roster and should find her way back into the cage by year’s end, which could lead her closer to title contention.
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