Last Updated: August 16, 2026
Mackenzie Dern has built a reputation as one of the sharpest grapplers in the UFC women’s strawweight division. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and now the UFC strawweight champion, she continues to draw attention both inside the Octagon and outside it. Fans searching for “Mackenzie Dern husband” often want clarity on her personal life after years of public ups and downs. Here is the clear, up-to-date picture.
Table of Contents
Mackenzie Dern’s Marriage to Wesley Santos
Mackenzie Dern was married to Brazilian professional surfer Wesley Santos. The pair got engaged around 2019, the same year they welcomed their daughter, Moa, on June 9, 2019. Dern stepped away from competition during her pregnancy and returned to fighting while building a family life that looked solid from the outside.
Their relationship later grew troubled. The couple separated in 2022. Dern publicly confirmed she was single that year and expressed gratitude for the time they shared while focusing on co-parenting. The divorce process became highly public in 2023, with both sides making serious allegations. Court documents reflected claims of physical and emotional conflict. The court ordered joint custody of Moa and determined Dern was the primary earner, resulting in her covering certain legal fees and monthly support.
Life After Divorce and a Later Relationship
After the split from Santos, Dern was linked to fellow Brazilian MMA fighter Antonio Trocoli (also known as Antonio “Malvado” Trocoli). Some reports and statements from that period referred to him as her husband. Their relationship became more visible in 2024.
That chapter included significant drama. In October 2024, Trocoli was arrested in Huntington Beach, California, on misdemeanor battery charges after an alleged altercation with Wesley Santos during a custody-related situation. Santos publicly described ongoing tension. Following the incident, Dern and Trocoli unfollowed each other on social media and removed shared photos. Multiple reports indicated the relationship ended afterward. By late 2025 sources were already referring to Trocoli as her former partner.
Mackenzie Dern’s Current Status in 2026
As of August 2026, Mackenzie Dern is not married. Recent coverage confirms she is single and not publicly dating anyone. She has focused on her career, motherhood, and title run. She captured the vacant UFC women’s strawweight championship by defeating Virna Jandiroba in October 2025 and is actively defending the belt. Her daughter Moa remains a central motivation in her life and interviews.
Quick Facts About Mackenzie Dern’s Personal Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ex-Husband | Wesley Santos (professional surfer) |
| Daughter | Moa (born June 9, 2019) |
| Marriage Period | Engaged/married ~2019, separated 2022 |
| Later Partner | Antonio Trocoli (relationship ended) |
| Current Relationship Status | Single / Not married (as of August 2026) |
| Profession Focus | UFC Strawweight Champion, BJJ expert |
Key points that often come up in searches:
- Dern and Santos share joint custody of their daughter.
- Allegations of conflict surfaced during the divorce proceedings on both sides; the court did not fully endorse either party’s claims of abuse.
- The later connection with Trocoli was relatively short-lived and concluded after the 2024 legal incident.
- Dern has spoken about how personal challenges fueled her determination inside the cage.
Conclusion
Mackenzie Dern’s story shows a fighter who has navigated intense personal chapters while rising to the top of her division. Her only confirmed marriage was to Wesley Santos; the subsequent relationship with Antonio Trocoli did not last. Today she stands as a single mother and UFC champion focused on performance and family. Fans following her career can expect the same high-level grappling and resilience that defined her path so far. As her title defenses continue, the spotlight will stay more on her skills than her personal life—exactly where it belongs.