Mackenzie Dern sits down with Jeff Fargo for a raw conversation about fighting for a world title and raising a daughter at the same time.

In this episode Jeff and Mackenzie go deep on what it means to be a UFC strawweight champion and a present mom. They talk about growing up on the mats, turning adversity into fuel, and why she wants Moa to struggle just enough to become strong rather than sheltered. Mackenzie opens up about co parenting, keeping her daughter first even with a global spotlight, and how fifteen minutes of real quality time can change everything.

You will hear stories about bringing Moa to the gym in a car seat, learning to train while watching her out of the corner of her eye, and the first time her daughter coached her during a title fight from the crowd. Mackenzie breaks down how she stays locked in while her little girl is screaming for her to kick and punch, and why she refuses to rush in when Moa falls at the playground so her daughter can learn to get back up on her own.

They also dive into legacy and life after the belt. Mackenzie shares her timeline for the rest of her career, how she thinks about protecting her health, and her vision for Mackenzie as a business not just a fighter. From future wine and bikini lines to saying yes to the right opportunities, this is a masterclass in building a life and a legacy beyond the octagon.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:08 - Mackenzie Dern on Motherhood & Champion Mindset

01:55 - Raising Resilient Kids Through Adversity

03:27 - Figure It Out” Parenting Philosophy

05:45 - Training for UFC While Raising a Child

09:09 - How Her Parents Influenced Her Parenting Style

13:21 - Building Deep Communication With Your Kids

17:21 - Being a Celebrity Mom and Protecting Family Time

23:02 - Retirement Plans and Life After Fighting

29:31 - First Time Getting Seriously Hit in the UFC

33:03 - Inspiring Moms and Women to Enter Martial Arts

36:43 - Her 30-Year Vision and Legacy as a Mother

40:27 - How Jeff Parents Boys vs Girls

43:13 - The Right Way to Talk to Your Kids

Connect with Mackenzie Dern:

https://www.instagram.com/mackenziedern/

https://x.com/MackenzieDern

https://www.facebook.com/mackenziedern/

Jeff Fargo:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffargo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyMFargo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.fargo/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeff.fargo

Website: https://www.fargotalks.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XNPy9lHShiTqLyYTVQf4w?si=d3fb7d2c4d58471e

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fargo-talks/id1692311068

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