Mackenzie Dern Named Most Likely Female MMA Star To Join OF in 2026

Recently, an analysis has unveiled betting odds predicting which female MMA stars are most likely to launch OF accounts by late 2026. UFC sensation Mackenzie Dern has come up as the overwhelming favorite. Dern’s impressive fanbase positions her to potentially become one of the platform’s most successful athletic crossovers.

According to data from Sportscasting, Mackenzie Dern currently holds –125 odds, placing her firmly at the top of the list among female MMA competitors projected to embrace the platform.

Shane Orton, spokesperson for Sportscasting, provided insight into why Dern tops these projections in correspondence with The Blast.

“For many, OF has shifted from a taboo to a calculated business move,” Orton noted. “Someone like Mackenzie Dern has the audience, the look, and the personal brand to turn that kind of platform into a serious revenue stream. The demand is already there. It’s not about if, but when.”

Dern’s social media presence speaks volumes about her commercial appeal. With a staggering 1.3 million Instagram followers, her posts regularly attract comments from supporters encouraging her to establish a presence on the subscription platform.

Mackenzie Dern has carved out an impressive trajectory in mixed martial arts. As a distinguished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and one of the UFC’s most marketable female competitors, she’s established herself through both exceptional grappling skills and an engaging public persona that resonates beyond the sport’s core audience.

Her competitive record maintains her position among elite strawweight contenders in the UFC, yet her social media interaction frequently surpasses the attention her actual competitions generate. This dynamic indicates her appeal reaches well beyond traditional MMA enthusiasts, suggesting a broader commercial potential that transcends competitive performance.

While Dern stands as the clear frontrunner, several other prominent stars feature in these speculative odds. Michelle Waterson-Gomez follows closely at +120, with Tracey Cortez positioned at +150.

Alexa Grasso appears next with +250 odds, while Miesha Tate sits at +300. Perhaps most intriguing is the inclusion of Ronda Rousey, whose legendary status in the sport earns her +800 longshot odds despite being retired from active competition.

The perception surrounding OF within combat sports circles has undergone dramatic transformation. What once carried controversial connotations has evolved into a legitimate business strategy for athletes, particularly women, seeking to maintain control over their public image while monetizing dedicated fanbases.

Pioneers like Paige VanZant and Felice Herrig have demonstrated the platform’s lucrative potential, converting their followings into substantial six- and seven-figure annual incomes through exclusive content offerings.

Platforms like OF offer athletes unprecedented control, providing direct audience access without traditional intermediaries like managers or promoters claiming percentages.