MACKENZIE DERN DISPUTES IAN MACHADO GARRY ON GENDER ROLES

UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern has expressed disagreement with welterweight title contender Ian Machado Garry over his recent comments on gender roles. During UFC 330 media day, Dern responded to Garry's statement on the High Performance Podcast that the world would be better if women were in charge. Dern said she supports women being independent but stated that she prefers men to take the lead in relationships. She described her upbringing as "a little bit more traditional" and said she enjoys having a man who protects and leads.

Dern attributed her views partly to her background in martial arts and her family structure. She began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under her father, Wellington 'Megaton' Dias, from an early age, whilst her stepmother, Luciana Dias Tavares, also shaped her training. Dern acknowledged that the women in her family taught her to be strong and independent, but said she prefers to "relax" and allow a man to take the lead in a relationship. She added that if needed, she would "go to war" alongside a partner.

Research cited in the coverage suggested that heterosexual women who practise martial arts often prefer relationships with men who hold traditional values. The study was conducted by Justen Hamilton, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of California, Riverside. Dern's comments reflect a broader range of views amongst athletes on gender roles and relationship dynamics within the UFC.