‘I got caught in the emotional fight’

Mackenzie Dern opened up on her loss at UFC 295.

Dern (13-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) suffered a second-round TKO to former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade (25-12 MMA, 16-10 UFC) on this past Saturday’s main card at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Dern showed toughness when she got back up from multiple knockdowns, but Andrade’s power ultimately was too much. Sporting a shiner under her right eye, Dern posted on Instagram to discuss the loss.

“Everything happens at the right time. Of course I was wishing my best performance at MSG and not my first TKO loss, lol but I Trust in Gods plans! I have to learn to control my emotions! I got caught in the emotional fight, which wasn’t the plan. I wanted to do a lot, but not get in big exchanges, where it’s risky. I took 4 knockdowns, that was the first lol. Once again I was tested, given the opportunity and didn’t pass. This is the risk when we enter the octagon, I knew it was going to be a good fight, because we both go for the finish. But I learned a lot and the focus is the belt! Thank you everyone who believed in me, who supports me in victory and defeat, and who continues to believe in me. Sorry for any disappointment, I’m fine, my heart is tight, it hurts, but the rest is all right. Going back to my daughter now and enjoy time with my family and train more because I’ll be back soon. The goal continues, I just need to work more calmly, this warrior has a lot of emotion in everything she does! Lol fall 7 times and get up 8!”

Dern now has alternated wins and losses in her past six outings. Prior to getting stopped by Andrade, Dern earned a Fight of the Night bonus for a main event decision win over Angela Hill at UFC Fight Night 223.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.