Mackenzie Dern, the 30-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, is no stranger to overcoming challenges. As she prepares to face Jessica Andrade at UFC 295, Dern has revealed the tumultuous events that have shaped her training camp and personal life.

In May, before her last fight against Angela Hill, Dern openly discussed her ongoing divorce and custody battle for her daughter. Although the divorce has been finalized, Dern admits that the aftermath continues to affect her both emotionally and financially. She revealed during UFC 295 media day that she is still making payments to her ex-husband, even as she prepares for her upcoming fight.

Despite the personal challenges, Dern remains resilient. She understands that problems are a constant in life and has learned to thrive in the midst of chaos. Money, she says, is something she can earn through fighting, but emotional turmoil is what truly weighs heavy on her shoulders.

Adding to the complications, Dern faced another obstacle as her former gym, RVCA, shut down. She needed to restructure her training camp and decided to create her own private gym at home. Seeking solitude and vulnerability, Dern sought help from former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo and arranged private training sessions. This period has further highlighted the rollercoaster journey that fighters go through before every fight.

Reflecting on her training, Dern admits to moments of frustration and vulnerability. Despite being a world champion in jiu-jitsu, she acknowledges the challenges she faces in the gym, leading to tears and self-doubt. However, she believes that it all comes together in the actual fight.

Dern also takes responsibility for introducing additional chaos into her own life, such as getting a new puppy. Yet, she embraces the craziness and believes it pushes her to thrive. Adjusting to splitting custody of her daughter adds another layer of complexity to her routine, but Dern is determined to make it work.

While Dern acknowledges the difficulties of being a mother and a world champion, she refuses to use her personal challenges as excuses. She recognizes that every fighter in the UFC deals with their own problems and obstacles. Coincidentally, her opponent, Jessica Andrade, also mentioned going through a divorce.

As Dern and Andrade prepare to face off at UFC 295, they both understand the importance of channeling their stress and struggles into their fights. They embrace the opportunity to let out their frustrations in the octagon, knowing it makes the taste of victory that much sweeter.

In her constant battle with adversity, Mackenzie Dern sets her sights on UFC 295, using her experiences to fuel her determination to overcome whatever obstacles come her way.