Mackenzie Dern vs Marina Rodriguez to headline UFC Vegas 39:
The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues its action at the APEX this weekend with a women’s straw-weight contenders headlining in UFC Vegas 39.
UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will face Zhang Weili in a rematch later this year, but Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez will look to make a case for the next title shot at UFC Vegas 39.
Dern will make her first main event appearance against Rodriguez in a matchup of youth versus experience. Dern has looked nearly unstoppable in the strawweight division with four straight victories, including three by armbar submission.
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Rodriguez is coming off her first main event experience at UFC Vegas 26 against Michelle Waterson, as she earned the unanimous decision victory. In addition to her elite kickboxing, Rodriguez has solid takedown defense and has shown the ability to avoid submission attempts.
Aside from Waterson, Rodriguez has put on dominant performances against the likes of Tecia Torres and Amanda Ribas. She’s been known to put a torrid pace on her opponents, to go along with great stamina to last a five-round bout.
Dern began her professional career going 8-0, including winning her first two fights in the UFC. Dern has shown some of the most dangerous Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the strawweight division.