Mackenzie Dern vs. Randa Markos in The Works For UFC 253 in September

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC & Esther Lin - MMA Fighting

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace, Mackenzie Dern is targeting her second Octagon walk of the year, as a strawweight matchup between fellow contender, Randa 'Quiet Storm' Markos is in the works for UFC 253 on September 19th. - with Las Vegas expected to host the event.

Making a somewhat timely turnaround, Arizona born grappler, Dern last competed at UFC Fight Night Vegas at the end of May - nabbing a first-round kneebar win over Hannah Cifers in a short-notice tie. Attempting to return to winning ways, Baghdad born mainstay, Markos dropped a unanimous decision to common opponent, Amanda Ribas at UFC Fight Night Brasília in March. News of the targeted pairing was initially reported by MMA Fighting reporters, Steven Marrocco and Guilherme Cruz.

Five-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, Dern made her Octagon bow back in March of 2018 at UFC 222, taking a competitive split judging win over Ashley Yoder. Extending her undefeated professional record to 7-0, Dern managed a rear-naked choke win over Amanda 'ABC' Cooper despite tipping the scales at 123-pounds for the strawweight tie.

In her premier professional defeat, Dern, like Markos - dropped a decision defeat to Ribas at UFC Fight Night Tampa last August. A victory over Markos would earn Dern a two-fight win streak for the second time in her brief UFC stint.

Markos, 34, will attempt to move to 3-2 in her last five outings, following defeats to Brazilian duo, Ribas, and one-time title challenger, Cláudia Gadelha. In another common opponent, Markos managed a close split decision win over the aforenoted, Yoder. The Tristar trainee has managed other notable career victories over inaugural UFC and Invicta FC 115-pound best, Carla 'Cookie Monster' Esparza, and another former Invicta FC titleholder, Angela 'Overkill' Hill.