Mackenzie Dern Relationship Update 2026: Inside The UFC Star’s Life Beyond The Cage

Mackenzie Dern’s journey through the UFC strawweight ranks has been as much about her resilience outside the cage as her world-class submissions inside it. As of August 15, 2026, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom remains a central figure in the mixed martial arts world, balancing a high-stakes fighting career with a personal life that has seen significant transformation over the last three years. While fans initially followed her marriage to professional surfer Wesley Santos, the narrative has shifted toward her life as a dedicated mother and her subsequent relationship with fellow fighter Antonio Trocoli.

Navigating the Fallout of a High-Profile Legal Battle

The transition from Dern’s previous marriage to her current status was marked by a highly publicized and emotionally taxing legal battle. Her marriage to Wesley Santos, which began in 2019, officially ended in a contentious divorce finalized in 2023. The proceedings were characterized by allegations of domestic incidents and a complex dispute over primary custody and financial support. For much of late 2023 and early 2024, Dern was candid with the media about the financial and mental toll of the "messy" split, noting that she was essentially fighting to support her household while navigating the California legal system.

This period of personal upheaval significantly impacted her training cycles. During the peak of the litigation, Dern made the strategic move to leave her previous training environments to find a more stable support structure. By 2026, the dust has largely settled, with Dern maintaining a primary focus on her daughter, Moa, who has become a staple at her post-fight celebrations. The resolution of these legal hurdles has allowed Dern to recapture the aggressive, focused version of herself that first stormed the UFC, free from the distractions of a contested domestic life.

The Evolution of a Fighting Power Couple

In the wake of her divorce, Mackenzie Dern found companionship and professional synergy with Brazilian MMA fighter Antonio Trocoli. The relationship, which became public knowledge as they navigated the 2024 season, represented a shift toward a partner who understands the unique rigors of the combat sports lifestyle. Trocoli, known for his stint in the UFC and the regional Brazilian circuits, has been a visible part of Dern’s corner and training camps throughout 2025 and into 2026.

The dynamic of a "fighting couple" has seemingly provided Dern with a renewed sense of stability. Unlike her previous marriage, which was a blend of different professional worlds, her current partnership is rooted in the shared language of the Octagon. Insiders at Chute Boxe and the UFC Performance Institute have noted that Trocoli’s presence in her camp has coincided with a more technical approach to her striking and clinch work. This personal alignment has allowed Dern to maintain her status as a top-tier contender even as the strawweight division grows increasingly crowded with new talent.

The Road to Gold: 2026 Strawweight Title Picture and Schedule

Entering the final quarters of 2026, Mackenzie Dern remains one of the most bankable stars in the UFC. Her ability to sell pay-per-views is bolstered by her massive social media following and her reputation as the most dangerous submission specialist in the division. While her personal life—specifically her role as a mother of two—requires meticulous scheduling, her competitive drive has not waned. She continues to hunt for the elusive UFC Strawweight Championship, a goal that remains the primary motivator for her continued activity.

Dern’s recent performances in 2025 showcased an improved wrestling base, a direct response to the "pure grappler" critique that followed her earlier in her career. As she prepares for her next potential main-event booking in late 2026, the focus is on a high-stakes title eliminator. The UFC's broadcast partners, including ESPN+, continue to highlight her "mom-champ" narrative, emphasizing how she has successfully navigated the complexities of divorce and a new family structure while remaining an elite athlete. Fans can expect an announcement regarding her next fight within the coming weeks, as she looks to solidify her legacy before the year concludes.