UFC Abu Dhabi: Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez: Live round-by-round updates
Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez look to return to the win column during the UFC Abu Dhabi main card.
Over the last six years, Dern has endured ups and downs in the UFC women's strawweight division. Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, she needs a win now more than ever after suffering consecutive losses in the Octagon (Amanda Lemos and Jessica Andrade) for the first time.
Dern remains in the top ten of the women's strawweight ranked (number seven) and plans to get back on track against Godinez. The number ten-ranked Loopy is coming off a loss against Virna Jandiroba, ending her four-fight winning streak.
Loopy Godinez and Mackenzie Dern have become mainstays in the 115-pound division, but they aren't satisfied with a consistent job. At UFC Abu Dhabi, the ranked strawweights have an opportunity to temporarily silence the doubters and showcase why they should be considered future title contenders.
Follow along with Sportskeeda for live updates of the previously mentioned women's strawweight matchup.
UFC Abu Dhabi: Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
Round 1:
Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez is underway. Dern comes out looking to establish her jab. Godinez looks to move forward, but Dern is pushing her back with her improved striking. Godinez pushes Dern back and the latter follows to the ground. Godinez backs off and avoids Dern's slick submission skills.
Dern shoots for a takedown and Godinez denies the entry. Dern temporarily had her against the cage before Godinez pushed off and landed a good punch. Godinez is starting to find her range on the feet and inflict damage halfway through round one.
Godinez is landing the harder and cleaner punches. Dern closes the distance and tosses Godinez to the ground. Dern lands into full mount with a minute and a half left. Dern begins setting up a submission. Godinez turns to her side and almost gives up her arm. Dern is landing light ground and pound. Godinez escapes and Dern transitions to an armbar.
Godinez is stacking Dern to avoid the armbar. Twenty seconds left in the round. Godinez escapes the armbar, but Dern likely takes the first frame.
Round 2:
Mackenzie Dern's face is damaged from Loopy Godinez's striking in round one. Godinez pushes Dern against the cage. Dern temporarily jumps guard while standing before they break apart and meet in the center of the Octagon.
Godinez's boxing skills are busting Dern's face up. Dern is holding her own on the feet though, which has been surprising. Dern's forward pressure is giving Godinez some trouble in the first two minutes of this round.
Godinez throws a kick and Dern almost takes down down by catching the leg. Godinez is catching Dern when the latter attempts to rush in and close the distance. Both fighters are wearing the damage on their faces.
Dern is moving around the Octagon and starting to take over the striking battle. Godinez shoots a beautiful takedown and temporarily takes down Dern. Godinez has a standing arm triangle locked in, but there are only ten seconds left. Really close round. The scorecards could be 1-1 going into round three.
Round 3:
Mackenzie Dern starts round three with an increased volume of striking. Loopy Godinez countered Dern twice with left hooks that landed cleanly. Godinez's jab is pushing Dern back and giving the latter trouble.
Dern shoots for a takedown and gets Godinez against the cage. Dern picks her opponent up and lands in side control. Godinez attempted to get back to her feet before Dern adjusted and almost locked in a mounted guillotine.
Godinez countered with a light leg lock and gets back to her feet. Godinez has Dern pushed up against the cage before breaking off and meeting in the middle of the Octagon. Godinez continues to find a home for the looping left hook.
Dern is moving forward and providing a good visual to the judges. Godinez reverses the momentum and has Dern bouncing around the outside of the cage. This fight could come down to the final minute. Dern simply can't get out of the way of Godinez's looping left hook.
Dern has Godinez pushed up against the cage with forty seconds left. Godinez pushes off and attempts her own takedown. They close the fight with a scrap in close quarters. We're going to the scorecards.
Official Result: Mackenzie Dern def. Loopy Godinez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).