UFC Champion Mackenzie Dern Reveals ‘Playing Dumb’ Poker Strategy

UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Mackenzie Dern has revealed an unconventional strategy she employs at the poker table – deliberately playing naively to exploit opponents who underestimate her because of her gender. During an appearance on the Celebrity Poker Tour with Helen Yee, the champion fighter explained how this tactical approach has parallels with her success inside the Octagon.

Dern’s Deceptive Poker Strategy

Mackenzie Dern has developed a sophisticated poker approach that capitalises on the unconscious biases of her opponents, particularly male players who often assume women are less skilled at the game. The champion revealed she deliberately “plays dumb” at the table, feigning confusion about basic rules and strategies to lull opponents into a false sense of security.

“They see a woman and immediately think I don’t know what I’m doing,” Dern explained. “I lean into that perception, then use it against them when they let their guard down.” This psychological warfare has proven remarkably effective, allowing Dern to read opponents more accurately and capitalise on their mistakes.

Parallels Between Poker and Fighting

Dern sees clear connections between her poker tactics and her fighting career, noting that both require reading opponents, managing emotions, and executing well-timed strategies. The emotional control she’s developed through poker has directly translated to her MMA performances, helping her maintain composure during high-pressure moments in championship fights.

“In poker, you can’t show your emotions when you get a bad beat, just like in fighting when you take a big shot,” Dern stated. “That emotional management has been huge for my recent success in the UFC.” The champion believes her poker experience contributed directly to her title victory and subsequent defences.

From Novice to Strategic Player

Despite only taking up poker seriously about eighteen months ago, Dern has rapidly developed what she describes as a “purple belt” level of skill in the game. Her background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where she achieved world champion status, has given her a framework for understanding complex systems and opponent tendencies that transfer well to poker strategy.

Dern’s quick progression in poker mirrors her ascent in mixed martial arts, where she’s become known for her analytical approach and ability to adapt during fights. The crossover skills between the two disciplines have created a symbiotic relationship that enhances her performance in both arenas.

The Element of Surprise

What makes Dern’s poker strategy particularly effective is the element of surprise. Opponents who initially dismiss her as inexperienced find themselves outmanoeuvred by her sophisticated understanding of game theory and psychological warfare. This same element of surprise has served her well in the UFC, where opponents often focus on her elite ground game only to be surprised by her improving striking.

Dern’s approach demonstrates that success in combat sports and poker both rely on misdirection, timing, and the ability to capitalise on opponents’ misconceptions – whether about gender, skill level, or fighting style.

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