The 23-year-old American, who stands at just 1.57m tall (5ft 2ins), created headlines in the jiu-jitsu community around the world last year by condemning nine-time world champion Gabrielle Garcia, who is 1.88m (6ft 1ins) in stature, to her first defeat in more than five years in the Absolute semi-final in Abu Dhabi.
It was a victory that saw her rise to fame en route to her gold medal.
While she is the defending Absolute black belt champion, what many forget is that she also holds the 55kg title in Abu Dhabi.
And for Dern, who won the European and Pan American Championship last year, she’s under no illusion it’s a category that will prove to be her biggest test.
“I had a very good 2015 and people will have some expectations for me to win, especially since Gabrielle isn’t here,” she said.
“For me I don’t feel any pressure. I think there’s more pressure to win gold in my weight division than Absolute,” she said.
“It’s because the girls are faster. They are all my size and can be very quick. The concentration has to be there all the time.
“When you fight in the Absolute, the girls are bigger and stronger. You need to use their strength against them. In the weight division, there are a lot more girls (of a similar stature) competing than Absolute, so that makes it difficult.”
One opponent she will definitely not be facing is Garcia.
The Brazilian moved into MMA at the end of last year and her absence could allow others the chance to step up.
“With Garcia not here, I believe there will be more people competing in the Absolute division. When she did compete, people didn’t want to fight her because she is so big.”
Dern is hoping to travel back to the US with two golds but without suffering any injury setbacks.
This week, she will open her Absolute defence on Thursday and then the 55kg a day later, with the finals scheduled for Saturday. While she is relishing the opportunity of competing in front of the UAE crowds, Dern admits the schedule is not ideal.
“Having to compete in the absolute class first is not so good because you don’t want to get hurt,” she said.
“For me, what’s more important is not to get injured and fight and win my division. That’s the most crucial thing.”
For Dern it will be her sixth appearance in this tournament in Abu Dhabi and she ranks it among the best in the world.
“The tournament is so prestigious. Everyone wants to come here to fight but only the best of the best will be here,” she said.
“I’m very picky when it comes to tournaments and this is one that I do not want to miss.”
