20 UFC Prospects Destined For Big Things In 2020
11. Mackenzie Dern
Speaking of jiu-jitsu phenoms in MMA, this list wouldn't be entirely fair if Mackenzie Dern wasn't on it. Much like Vieira, Dern is a former Abu Dhabi Combat Club and World No-Gi jiu-jitsu champion, so she's earned her fair share of accolades before joining the UFC.
Since she's been in the promotion, she's managed to bring her grappling game over to MMA successfully. Her brutal Imanari choke over Montana De La Rosa in her second fight showed how dangerous she can be when the fight hits the mat. While her striking isn't the smoothest or most crisp, she has shown a willingness to stand with her opponents. That's a major positive sign as many jiu-jitsu champions who transition over to MMA are often gun-shy when it comes to the striking game.
That being said, Dern doesn't have to become a world class striker or have brawls with all of her opponents. She just needs to become dangerous enough that her opponents respect her. With that threat, she could be a serious challenger in the division.