Two title fights are on tap for UFC 330, the promotion’s first numbered event in Philadelphia in 15 years. In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern will put her women’s strawweight championship on the line against surging contender Gillian Robertson.
Dern (16–5, 11–5 UFC) captured the vacant belt with a unanimous decision win over Virna Jandiroba in October and arrives for her first defense on a three-fight winning streak. Robertson (17–8, 14–6 UFC) has won five straight — and seven of her last eight — punctuated by a unanimous decision victory over Amanda Lemos in March.
Dern enters as a -218 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Robertson is a +180 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 3.5 rounds.
Dern vs. Robertson Preview
Mackenzie Dern (C)
- 16–5 (11–5 UFC)
- 0–1 (T)KO
- 8–0 SUB
Near the end of last year, Mackenzie Dern added more gold to her trophy case. Already a decorated jiu-jitsu world champion, the 31-year-old American — representing Brazil — captured the vacant UFC strawweight crown against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321.
She’ll ride into her first title defense on a three-fight winning streak, during which she flashed improved striking and a consistently dominant ground game. While she doesn’t shoot for many takedowns, nor does she defend them well (37 percent defense), it’s as if she’s welcoming her opponents to take things to the ground. From there, she leans on her lethal defensive grappling — which she’ll likely be looking to employ on Saturday night.
Gillian Robertson (#5)
- 16–8 (3–7 UFC)
- 3–2 (T)KO
- 6–2 SUB
They call her “The Savage” for a reason. On Saturday night, Gillian Robertson has a chance to set the record for most finishes across women’s UFC divisions at 11, breaking a tie with Amanda Nunes. The 31-year-old Canadian earned her first title shot on the back of seven wins in her last eight bouts, capped by a five-fight heater.
She’s only become more dangerous since dropping to 115 pounds, where she’s gone a remarkable 6–1 while posting the highest top position percentage in the division’s history (50.8 percent). At strawweight, Robertson has blended her black belt jiu-jitsu with some vicious ground-and-pound; she has recorded a pair of TKO wins amid her recent surge. And while her striking and takedown defense remain causes for concern, her suffocating grappling — 2.76 takedowns per 15 minutes — has more than made up for them in recent years.
Dern vs. Robertson Pick, Best Bet
Saturday night’s co-main event features a clash between dominant jiu-jitsu specialists. Dern is the champ for a reason, and she enters with an obvious advantage on the feet.
However, Robertson’s run at 115 pounds should not be taken lightly, and her aggressive grappling approach gives her a clear runway to capture top position repeatedly. And while Dern is typically comfortable fighting off her back, Robertson’s nasty ground-and-pound — highlighted by barrages of slicing elbows — should induce an opposite feeling.
At plus odds, there’s strong value in backing Robertson to leave Philadelphia with the strawweight title around her waist.
