Mackenzie Dern is not buying into the personal tension Gillian Robertson has suggested exists between them.
The UFC strawweight champion is preparing for her first title defense against Robertson at UFC 330. Despite some recent verbal back-and-forth, Dern says there is no bad blood between the two fighters. In fact, she says they have never even met.
Dern Says There Is No Personal Beef
Robertson recently suggested that Dern does not respect her, while also making it clear that she does not particularly like the champion.
Dern told MMA Fighting that she was surprised by those comments. She believes Robertson has been the one trying to add extra tension to their matchup.
“She’s kind of been talking about submissions and why are people talking about me when she has the most submissions on Joe Rogan’s podcast… I didn’t know who she was.”
Dern acknowledged that their competitive rivalry has grown during the buildup. However, she does not see it as a personal issue.
“I don’t have anything against her but I guess we do have some competitiveness right now.”
The champion also pushed back on the idea that she has tried to diminish Robertson to build herself up.
Dern Welcomes a Grappling Challenge
Whatever Robertson’s intentions may be, Dern appears more interested in the matchup itself.
The champion likes what Robertson brings into the fight, particularly her grappling credentials and recent form. Robertson enters UFC 330 riding a five-fight winning streak.
Dern has previously faced opponents coming off strong runs and enjoys the challenge of trying to stop them.
“I like the matchup just the fact that she’s a jiu-jitsu girl.”
“I also like the fact that she’s coming off a five-fight win streak. When I fought Virna, she was also on a four or five fight win streak.”
Dern sees Robertson’s momentum as another reason to be excited about the fight.
“I like fighting people who are on win streaks. I like trying to stop their win streak. That’s always a good, fun challenge for me.”
For Dern, the focus remains on defending her belt rather than settling a personal score.