Mackenzie Dern Poker Skills: A Secret Weapon for the UFC

The chips were flying, and the stakes were high at the Season 3 premiere of the Celebrity Poker Tour in Las Vegas. While most fans expected to see some world-class bluffs, they got something even better: a massive UFC bombshell, as Mackenzie Dern poker game began.

Mackenzie Dern Reveals UFC Title Defense Plans at Poker Event

Reigning strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern took a break from the mats to test her luck on the felt. Between hands, she let slip some major news about her first title defense that has the UFC betting odds shifting already.

It turns out that Mackenzie Dern poker sessions aren’t just for fun – they are a core part of her training. During the event at PokerGO Studios, Dern explained that the game has completely changed her approach to fighting.

“Poker has helped me control my emotions ” Dern shared while stacking her chips. She admitted that she used to be impulsive in the cage, often abandoning her game plan after getting hit. Now, she uses poker strategy to stay patient and wait for the perfect opening.

This new mindset clearly worked. Dern captured the vacant strawweight gold at UFC 321 last October by defeating Virna Jandiroba. She credits her ability to “read” her opponents – a skill she sharpened at the poker table – for her rise to the top of the division.

A Surprise Opponent for the Summer

Everyone in the MMA world expected Dern to face Zhang Weili in her first defense. However, while playing at the Celebrity Poker Tour, the champ dropped a name no one saw coming: Gillian Robertson.

Dern mentioned that the UFC is eyeing a summer return, likely in June or July. While nothing is official yet, Robertson is currently riding a five-fight win streak. This matchup would be a grappling fan’s dream, as both women are known for their elite ground games.

For those looking at UFC betting odds, this news is a curveball. Robertson is a “dark horse” challenger, but her recent performance against Amanda Lemos proves she is ready for the big stage. Dern, however, seems unfazed, treating the potential matchup like a high-stakes hand where she already knows she has the nuts.

The “Playing Dumb” Strategy

One of the most interesting takeaways from the night was Dern’s specific poker strategy. She revealed that she often uses a “playing dumb” tactic at the table, especially against male players who might underestimate her.

“Just being a girl already helps because no one thinks you know how to play,” she joked.

By acting like she doesn’t understand the blinds or the rules, she lures opponents into making risky moves. This psychological warfare is exactly what she brings into the Octagon to keep her rivals off balance.

Dern currently considers herself a “purple belt” in poker, and her results back it up. She recently secured a 5th-place finish at a major CPT event, proving that her transition from the cage to the cards is going smoothly.

Mackenzie Dern Poker vs UFC: Career Highlights at a Glance

Betting on the Future

Dern isn’t stopping with the Celebrity Poker Tour. She confirmed that she plans to head to Prague for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to compete in the Ladies Event. Even with a title defense on the horizon, she’s making time for her favorite side hustle.

She has even hinted at a full-time career in poker once her fighting days are over. For now, though, she is focused on keeping that gold belt around her waist.

If you’re a gambler, keep a close eye on the Mackenzie Dern poker influence. Her newfound patience and emotional control make her a very dangerous champion to bet against. Whether she’s facing Gillian Robertson or Zhang Weili, she’s playing a long game that her opponents haven’t figured out yet.

As the summer approaches, the betting markets will surely heat up. But if you’re looking for a safe bet, look at the woman who treats the Octagon like a poker table – calculating, cold, and always ready to go all-in when the odds are in her favor.

Most of us are not qualified for entering the Octagon itself, but everyone can jump into the action at the poker tables, regardless of their skills and bankrolls. Find the best online poker site that suits you, and make sure to use our SMPBONUS bonus code to get some extra.