Mackenzie Dern Hints at Surprise Opponent for First UFC Title Defense
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Season 3 of the Celebrity Poker Tour kicked off in style, bringing together a unique mix of athletes, entertainers, and poker personalities for a high-stakes night at the tables. But while chips were flying in Las Vegas, it wasn’t just the action on the felt that stole attention.
Among those in attendance was Mackenzie Dern, the reigning UFC women’s strawweight champion, who continues to expand her presence beyond the Octagon. A regular on the CPT circuit, Dern also made an appearance at the 2025 World Series of Poker.
This time, however, it wasn’t poker that made headlines — it was what she said about her next fight.
A Champion in Transition
Dern captured the vacant strawweight title at UFC 321 with a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba. The belt became available after former champion Zhang Weili moved up to flyweight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko.
With Weili coming up short in that superfight, expectations quickly shifted toward a showdown with Dern upon her return to 115 pounds.
Instead, Dern may have revealed a very different direction.
Gillian Robertson Up Next?
When asked about her next fight during the Celebrity Poker Tour event, Dern immediately pointed to a name few were expecting:
“They’re kind of talking about giving me Gillian Robertson from Canada”
She followed that up by acknowledging that nothing has been officially finalized, while still making it clear she’s preparing for a summer return.
“I don’t even know who I’m fighting, I’m prepared for whoever comes, and adding things to my game each time I fight”
“But I don’t even know exactly who I’m going to fight yet, but thinking June or July”
While Dern stopped short of confirming the matchup outright, her comments strongly point to Robertson as the leading option for her first title defense — a notable shift from the widely expected clash with Zhang Weili.
A Dark Horse Title Challenger
Robertson, currently ranked No. 5, has quietly emerged as one of the division’s most in-form contenders. The Canadian grappling specialist is riding a five-fight win streak, most recently defeating Amanda Lemos via unanimous decision last week at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Dern didn’t officially announce her next fight — but she may have said enough.
With Robertson now firmly in the mix and a June or July return targeted, the UFC strawweight division suddenly looks far less predictable than it did just weeks ago.
PokerNews cannot confirm why Zhang Weili is not being lined up for the title at this time.
Dern Looks for Gold in Prague
Dern, who played in the 2025 WSOP, says she can see herself playing more poker in the future.
"I am definitely thinking of taking this career path when I stop fighting," she said.
While Dern may be busy with a potential title defense this summer, she confirmed she will still be participating in some WSOP events.
"I am going to Prague for the WSOP. I’m going to be playing in the Ladies Event," she added.
