Mackenzie Dern has revealed she’s still holding onto some serious grudges from her MMA career. During a recent appearance on the Talk Tuah podcast with Haliey Welch, the 31-year-old opened up about past conflicts, including one particular incident that still stings years later.
When asked about celebrities she’d like to face, Dern didn’t hesitate to call out fellow UFC star Colby Covington. The tension between them dates back to 2018, when Dern missed weight for one of her bouts. Covington, never one to miss an opportunity for trash talk, took to social media with a harsh attack on her.
“He made a post like calling me fat and everything,” Dern explained during the podcast. “Made a whole bunch of pictures of like Peppa Pig and everything.” The Peppa Pig comparison was particularly cutting, as Covington used the popular children’s cartoon character to mock Dern’s appearance after her weight miss.
The incident clearly left a lasting impression on the Brazilian-American , who admitted she hasn’t forgotten the slight. “One day I’m going to get him,” she said with a laugh, though the underlying sentiment seemed genuine. Despite acknowledging that they’re all part of the same UFC family and that such social media attacks are part of the game, Dern made it clear she’s still carrying that grudge.
“He’s so mean,” she reflected, adding that while she understands it’s all part of the social media momentum and fight promotion, some things stick with you. “I’m going to remember. I’m going to [get him back],” she stated matter-of-factly.
The weight miss incident was indeed a significant moment in Dern’s career. Missing weight is considered unprofessional in MMA, and stars often face criticism from fans, media, and fellow competitors.
What makes this grudge particularly interesting is Dern’s usual disposition. Throughout her career, she described herself as someone who gets along with almost everyone, even her opponents. “It’s so hard for me to not like someone,” she admitted. “Even the girls that I fight, I’m like friends with them.” She explained that she can turn her competitive switch on and off, maintaining friendships regardless of fight outcomes.
This makes her lingering resentment toward Covington all the more notable. For someone who prides herself on being able to separate personal relationships from professional competition, the fact that she’s still bothered by his comments years later speaks to how deeply they affected her.
Dern has since proven her critics wrong, establishing herself as one of the top contenders in the UFC’s strawweight division. She’s demonstrated improved discipline with weight cuts and has showcased her world-class grappling skills against elite competition.
