Mackenzie Dern does not share Ian Machado Garry’s preference for a world run by women, even though the UFC strawweight champion credits the women in her family with teaching her to be strong and independent.
Dern was asked about Garry’s comments during UFC 330 media day in Philadelphia. Her answer drew a distinction between what women can do independently and the relationship dynamic she prefers for herself.
Mackenzie Dern responds to Ian Machado Garry’s view that women should rule the world.
Dern Explains Her Traditional Preference
Dern did not dismiss strong women or dependence as the same issue. She said the women in her family shaped her own independence before explaining why she still likes a male partner to protect and lead.
“I mean, that’s so hard. I come from, like, a little bit more traditional upbringing. Obviously, the women in my family are super strong and independent, and they taught me how to be a strong woman. But, I don’t know, I like the guy protecting and, you know, leading and doing that stuff, and I like to just relax. And if I need to go to war with him, I will. But, yeah, I mean, I’m a mommy and stuff like that, so I think it’s very good—women, strong women—and we don’t depend on guys. We can be independent, but I like the man taking the lead.”
The complete media-day interview is available below. The exchange begins near the 15-minute mark.
Dern Enters UFC 330 As Strawweight Champion
Dern’s answer came three days before her first UFC strawweight title defense. She faces Gillian Robertson in the UFC 330 co-main event on August 15, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The card streams on Paramount+, with Garry challenging Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title in the main event.
Dern carries a 16-5 MMA record into the defense. She won the vacant championship by unanimous decision over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, extending her winning streak to four. Dern previously explained how the Robertson booking followed discussions about other possible opponents.
Robertson is 17-8 and has won five straight fights. Her run includes a second-round stoppage of Marina Rodriguez and a unanimous decision over Amanda Lemos. The title fight pairs two of the division’s leading submission threats: Dern owns eight professional submission wins, while Robertson has nine.
Garry, meanwhile, enters his first UFC title fight at 17-1. He has repeatedly framed his UFC 330 preparation around confidence in his own approach, including his refusal to let outside criticism change him. Dern’s response was not an attack on his character; it was a clear disagreement about who she prefers to take the lead at home.
