Mackenzie Dern Expressed Interest in Pro Wrestling
The UFC strawweight champion plans to pursue a wrestling career following her eventual retirement from MMA.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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UFC Strawweight Champion Mackenzie Dern has announced her intention to transition to professional wrestling once her MMA career concludes. The fighter recently floated the idea of an exhibition match against former competitor Ronda Rousey.
Why it matters
Dern's career shift highlights the growing trend of combat athletes seeking opportunities in sports entertainment. Her stated goals offer fans a glimpse into the potential future landscape of professional wrestling cross-over events.
Mackenzie Dern currently holds a four-fight win streak within the UFC, establishing her status as the reigning strawweight champion. Her recent comments indicate plans to transition to wrestling following her retirement, though no official departure date exists.
The players
Mackenzie Dern
She is the current UFC Strawweight Champion known for her grappling expertise and current four-fight winning streak.
Ronda Rousey
She is a former MMA champion and Olympic medalist who successfully transitioned from the UFC to professional wrestling.
The details
During an interview with US Magazine, Dern openly discussed her post-fighting aspirations. She specifically mentioned an interest in competing in an exhibition match against Ronda Rousey as part of her move into the wrestling world.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The interview regarding her future career plans was published.
Season Trajectory
This move reflects a broader trend of high-profile UFC fighters eyeing the sports entertainment sector after finding success in mixed martial arts. Her pivot follows the precedent set by Ronda Rousey's transition from the UFC to the WWE.
Dern's four-fight win streak reinforces her current marketability for any future entertainment projects. Fans can monitor her upcoming UFC bouts as a gauge for how long she will remain in active MMA competition before making this career switch.
The takeaway
Athletes like Dern demonstrate that professional wrestling continues to be a viable post-retirement path for top-tier fighters. Implementing a long-term career strategy can help athletes maintain their professional profiles well after their primary competition years end.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional fighting, visit our Mixed Martial Arts section.
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If you retired from your primary career, would you consider starting a completely new professional path?
