This past Saturday on the main card of UFC 273, we saw a pivotal matchup in the women’s strawweight division. Top ten contenders battled it out as Mackenzie Dern (12-2) took on The Tiny Tornado, Tecia Torres (13-6).
Both of these ladies were looking to take a step towards title contention with a win. Going into the fight, everyone thought that if the fight touches the ground, Dern would pull off a submission. However, the fight on the feet was going to favor Torres.
We saw that in the first round. While Dern was being extremely aggressive, Torres remained composed and was doing a good job of landing counters. Dern was looking a little frustrated and I personally thought that Torres won the first round.
In the second round, the fight hit the mat. I immediately thought that Dern would get the submission win at UFC 273, but Torres defended extremely well and survived the round. However, she definitely lost the round and I had it all square.
The final round was back and forth with both fighters having their moments. Personally, I thought that Tecia Torres did enough to get the decision. However, the judges sided with Dern and Dern picked up a split decision win at UFC 273.
What’s next after UFC 273?
This win at UFC 273 was a big deal for Dern as it was her first fight since she lost to Marina Rodriguez last year. Dern had knee surgery following that loss and she needed a win to get things going down the right path in 2022.
Regardless of how you feel about the decision, Dern got her hand raised. With that in mind, what should the UFC do with her next? Well, I think there are a few options and one option would be looking at the main event in a couple of weeks.
Jessica Andrade will be taking on Amanda Lemos. Whoever wins that fight could be a good opponent for Dern. However, if Andrade wins, she will likely get her third fight with Rose Namajunas should Namajunas successfully defend her title at UFC 274.
Last week we also learned that Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili will be running things back in June. Whoever wins that fight might be in a good spot for a title shot. However, the loser would make for a great opponent for Dern. There are some good options and the UFC will get her a quality fight next.