Mackenzie Dern Husband: Antonio Trocoli & Their Relationship

The UFC women’s strawweight division crowned a new champion on October 25, 2025, when Brazilian-American BJJ star Mackenzie Dern claimed the vacant title with a unanimous decision over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. At 36, Dern’s victory marked a career pinnacle, but her personal life—particularly her marriage to Antonio Trocoli—has equally captivated fans. Questions swirl about who her husband is and the current state of their relationship, especially amid recent developments.

Let’s explore Antonio Trocoli’s identity, their evolving relationship, and Dern’s journey as a fighter, mother, and public figure.

Who Is Mackenzie Dern’s Husband?

Antonio Trocoli, known in MMA circles as Antonio “Malvado” Jose Trocoli da Silveira Filho, is Mackenzie Dern’s husband. A 34-year-old Brazilian UFC middleweight fighter, Trocoli holds a 12-3 professional record, excelling in submissions and training at Arizona’s MMA Lab. His UFC path includes a 2019 appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, though recent setbacks, like a first-round submission loss to Tresean Gore on November 9, 2024, at UFC Vegas 100, have tested his career.

Beyond fighting, Trocoli made headlines in June 2025 as the first active UFC fighter to reach a final table at the World Series of Poker, securing sixth place in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event for $122,330. His Brazilian roots and MMA background aligned with Dern’s, fostering their bond, which culminated in marriage by October 2024 after her 2023 divorce from Wesley Santos.

The Evolution of Their Relationship

Mackenzie Dern and Antonio Trocoli’s relationship has been a focal point for fans, especially given Dern’s high-profile status. After her split from Wesley Santos, with whom she shares a daughter named Moa, Dern appeared to find solace in Trocoli’s companionship. Their romance blossomed quickly, with social media posts in early 2024 showing them training together and sharing moments of affection. Fans on platforms like Instagram celebrated their chemistry, with many noting how their shared passion for MMA created a unique bond.

However, by late 2024, signs of strain emerged. In November 2024, observant followers noticed that Dern had removed all photos of Trocoli from her Instagram account and unfollowed him, with Trocoli mirroring the action. This digital purge sparked widespread speculation about their marriage’s stability, especially following Trocoli’s loss in the Octagon.

A Challenging Incident: The Custody Exchange Altercation

A significant moment in their relationship narrative occurred on October 4, 2024, when Trocoli was arrested in Huntington Beach, California, for misdemeanor battery. The incident involved an alleged altercation with Wesley Santos, Dern’s ex-husband, during a custody exchange for their daughter, Moa. Reports indicate that tensions had been building, with Santos alleging prior threatening behavior from Trocoli.

During the exchange, Trocoli reportedly struck Santos, leading to his arrest after witnesses and video evidence corroborated the account. The Orange County District Attorney’s office has yet to file formal charges, and the case remains under review as of the latest updates.

This event cast a shadow over Dern and Trocoli’s marriage, adding complexity to an already public personal life. For Dern, who has been open about the challenges of co-parenting with Santos, the incident likely heightened the emotional stakes. As a mother, her priority has consistently been her daughter’s well-being, and navigating this situation while preparing for her title fight demonstrates her resilience.

Mackenzie Dern’s Life Beyond Marriage: Motherhood and Career

Mackenzie Dern’s personal journey is inseparable from her role as a mother to Moa, born in 2019. Her bond with her daughter has been a cornerstone of her public narrative, especially evident after her UFC 321 victory. In a touching post-fight moment, Dern draped her newly won strawweight belt over Moa’s shoulder, tears streaming down her face as she called her daughter her “good luck charm.” This moment resonated deeply with fans, highlighting her ability to balance motherhood with the demands of elite-level competition.

Dern’s career trajectory is equally inspiring. At 36, she has achieved a rare feat: becoming the first woman to hold both an ADCC world title in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a UFC championship. Her unanimous decision win over Virna Jandiroba on October 25, 2025, showcased her evolution from a submission specialist to a well-rounded fighter, with improved striking under coach Jason Parillo.

Landing 249 total strikes compared to Jandiroba’s 208, she proved her versatility in a grueling five-round battle. Her professional record now stands at 16-3, with a five-fight win streak when Moa is cageside.

Financially, Dern’s success has bolstered her net worth, estimated at $2.5 million in 2025. Her fight purses, ranging from $110,000 to $150,000 per bout, plus bonuses and endorsements from brands like War Tribe and My Protein, have contributed to career earnings exceeding $900,000. This financial stability supports her life as a single mother and now a champion, regardless of her marital status.

Addressing Misconceptions: Clearing Up Husband Confusion

Given the public’s interest in Dern’s personal life, some confusion has arisen about her husband. To clarify, Mackenzie Dern is not married to UFC fighter Bobby Green or anyone other than Antonio Trocoli. Her previous marriage was to Wesley Santos, a Brazilian surfer, from whom she divorced in 2023.

The mention of Bobby Green likely stems from fan speculation or online chatter, but there’s no evidence linking them romantically. Similarly, questions about alimony related to Santos have surfaced, but no public details confirm such arrangements, as divorce settlements are typically private.

Mackenzie’s Roots: Family and Heritage

Understanding Mackenzie Dern’s personal life requires a nod to her family background. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Brazilian parents, Dern was raised in a martial arts household. Her father, Wellington “Megaton” Dias, is a renowned BJJ black belt, and her mother, Luciana, has supported her career from the start.

This heritage shaped Dern’s path, leading to her dominance in BJJ before transitioning to MMA. Her mother’s presence, alongside Moa, at UFC 321 underscored the family support that grounds her, even amid personal challenges.

Dern’s Brazilian roots also connect her to Trocoli, whose own career is tied to Brazil’s rich MMA tradition. Their shared cultural background likely strengthened their initial bond, though recent events suggest navigating fame and family dynamics has tested their relationship.

The Public’s Fascination: Why We Care

Mackenzie Dern’s life captivates fans because it’s a story of triumph and humanity. Her journey from BJJ prodigy to UFC champion, all while raising Moa and managing high-profile relationships, resonates with those who admire resilience. The curiosity about her husband—whether it’s Trocoli’s poker success, his UFC fights, or their current status—reflects a broader interest in how athletes balance love and ambition. Dern’s openness about motherhood and her emotional Octagon moments make her relatable, even as she navigates complex personal matters.

Social media amplifies this fascination, with fans dissecting her Instagram for clues about her marriage. Posts celebrating her title win, like those from UFC analysts praising her “beautiful moment” with Moa, dominate the conversation, but the absence of Trocoli in recent content keeps the relationship question alive. Meanwhile, lighthearted online chatter about her following Brazilian politicians on Instagram shows how her public image extends beyond fighting, adding layers to her story.

What Lies Ahead for Mackenzie and Antonio?

The status of Mackenzie Dern and Antonio Trocoli’s marriage remains uncertain. The social media fallout and the October 2024 altercation with Wesley Santos suggest challenges, but without public statements, their future together is unclear. Dern’s focus appears to be on her UFC career, with plans to defend her strawweight title against grapplers like Tatiana Suarez in 2026. Her commitment to Moa remains unwavering, and her ability to compartmentalize personal and professional demands is evident in her recent success.

Trocoli, meanwhile, faces his own hurdles. His UFC loss and the pending legal review from the battery incident may influence his next steps, both in and out of the cage. Whether he and Dern reconcile or part ways, their story highlights the complexities of love in the high-stakes world of MMA.

Conclusion

Mackenzie Dern’s journey as a UFC champion, mother, and partner to Antonio Trocoli is a testament to her strength and authenticity. While her marriage faces public scrutiny, her dedication to Moa and her craft shines through. From her historic title win to her emotional moments in the Octagon, Dern’s story is one of perseverance and heart.

As fans, we root for her success, both in love and in the cage, trusting she’ll navigate her path with the same grit she brings to every fight. For the latest on Mackenzie Dern’s husband and her incredible journey, keep following her story—it’s one worth watching.