That decision isn't the worst. The first round was competitive at least, but still feels like Torres did the better work.

After the decision is announced, Dern jump on the cage to thank the fans. She then talks with Joe Rogan about trying not to pull guard, saying she doesn't like to do it but Torres was moving so well, she had to. She then gives Torres props for her submission defense. 

Dern's daughter is brought into the cage which is adorable. She then wraps up by saying she wants to fight someone in the top-5.

Mackenzie Dern defeats Tecia Torres by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Well, the dynamics are clear. If Dern can get a tie up, she's going to win the third round and the fight. If she can't she's probably going to lose. And Jason Parillo tells her in the corner essentially that Torres can't hurt her, so close her down and get it going. 

Both women look fresh to start the third and it's the same dynamic, Dern marching forward and Torres on her bike. Dern doing a better job of cutting the cage now though and Torres is coming back with less offense. She seems more hesitant now and she's trying to keep Dern off her. Dangerous tactics. 

Dern can't track Torres down though so this is a slower round. When Torres does throw though, Dern sits down back. Torres throws a kick and Dern catches it though and now she's on a single-leg against the fence. Torress fighting it off like crazy and Dern drags her to the center and climbs the tree but Torres pops right back up with an upkick. Torres might be winning this!

Torres with more offense now and Dern is slowing. She needs a takedown NOW or this one is going to slip away, but Torres refuses to be around. Big right hand lands for Dern and Torres lands back but Dern lands another. They're scrapping with 90 seconds left.

Dern letting this one slip away. Torres outworking her down the stretch and no grappling from Dern, because why would a BJJ world champion want to grapple? Torres fighting beautifully down the stretch but with 10 seconds left, Dern cracks her! Torres on a takedown but Dern reverses as the horn sounds.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Torres, 29-28 Torres overall.

Torres is the cleaner, more talented striker but she doesn't have power and Dern is the better athlete so she's more competitive on the feet than you'd imagine. Torres getting jawed might make her have to respect the striking a little more, which could open up takedowns. 

Dern still cutting the cage to start and she's really firing heat now, but Torres is coming back strong. Dern bullies her way into a clinch and this time she jumps guard, but Torres refuses to go down. So Dern has locked here guard on and is attacking a kimura while Torres is standing up and waiting it out. Torres gets her back to the cage to protect that arm but she moves and Dern has the arm behind the back. 

Now Dern gets her leg behind the head and Torres falls to the ground with here and Dern is trying to crank but Torres is finally able to break free! Great work! But she's still on the floor with Dern, who is rolled on a leg and looking to attack and arm or sweep. Torres is holding on and entirely playing defense right now as any move is going to open up a scramble for Dern. 

Torres is keeping her head high and smashing Dern's hips, but Dern is looking to sweep with an underhook and she almost gets it but Torres fends it off. Dern now working on a kneebar though! Torres staying gritty but Dern has this one in. Torres locking up to defend her knee and Dern now attacking a footlock. Torres holding on for the end of the round now and Dern starts landing some elbows to Torres' head as the time ticks down. What a clinic on the mat that was. 

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Dern, 19-19 overall.

Both women come out in orthodox and they get after it immediately with Dern ducking her head and swinging wildly while Tecia is moving and firing. She's not trying to get put against the cage at all.

Dern keeps winging her way in but Tecia is on that bike and she's doing a great job of countering and keeping Dern from getting a body lock. Torres is MUCH faster and Dern is finally slowing up.

This works out for her as she jabs in and grabs a clinch, forcing Torres to the cage. Torres reverses position though but Dern is keeping an overhook. Torres goes to double-unders and both women seem content to be here.

Torres finally breaks and she's back on the bike but Dern is doing a better job of cutting the cage. Torres is landing a darting right hand though when Dern punches in. Dern still trying to punch her way in and she's catching hands back but Torres doesn't seem to be able to actually hurt her. If Dern throws all caution to the wind, that might be more effective. 

Torres really effective with her movement and picking her shots, and she's been superb at ducking under and pivoting off clinch areas. Dern now really sitting down on her right hand and a couple have landed. OH! A big one lands and Torres looks stunned! She's okay but Dern cracked her and now she knows it and Torres is using a lot of push kicks to keep distance now.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Torres. 

Dern is 3 inches taller and has a 2.5 inch reach advantage. She's also 3 years younger. Oddsmakers have this as another close one, with Dern as only a slight, -120 favorite. 

Keith Peterson is the referee for this one, and we're off!

Torres looking extremely focused as she makes her way to the cage and she's all business. Dern, meanwhile, makes a quick walk in and she's looking really happy. Does not look like she's about to get into a fist fight. 

Perhaps not the most exciting fight to kick off our main card, but Mark O. Madsen may find himself in the lightweight rankings soon. Now, onto two women who are already in the rankings, Dern and Torres. 

This will be the biggest win of either woman's career, and puts them on the short list of title contention. Pitter patter.