Dern pushes back on Garry's pro-women comments ahead of UFC 330 title defence

UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern has publicly disagreed with Ian Garry’s recent comments about women, saying she values a traditional relationship dynamic even as she prepares to defend her title against Gillian Robertson in the co-main event of UFC 330 on 15 August at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Garry drew widespread reactions from fans and fellow fighters after stating that the world would be a better place if women ran everything. Dern, speaking at UFC 330 media day, offered a different perspective — one rooted in her upbringing rather than a rejection of female strength.

“I come from a little bit more traditional upbringing,” Dern said. “Obviously, the women in my family are super strong and independent. And they taught me how to be a strong woman. But I like the guy protecting, leading and doing that stuff. And I like to just relax. If I need to go to war with him, I will. But I’m a mommy. I think it’s very good that we’re strong women and we don’t depend on guys. But I like the man taking the lead.”

Dern is making the first defence of the strawweight title she won last year, with Robertson representing a significant test on the road back to the top of the division.

Garry, meanwhile, headlines UFC 330 in a welterweight championship challenge against Islam Makhachev, looking to end the Dagestani’s lengthy winning run.