Mackenzie Dern Faces Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 for Strawweight Title

Mackenzie Dern is stepping into her first UFC title fight at UFC 321 against Virna Jandiroba, a rematch of their 2020 bout which Dern won by unanimous decision. The strawweight title became vacant after Zhang Weili decided to move up to the flyweight division. Dern acknowledges Zhang’s accomplishments and feels that while she wouldn’t refuse a title shot against Zhang, she doesn’t believe she’s currently ready for that challenge.

Dern believes that winning the title would significantly increase her confidence and readiness to face a dominant champion like Zhang. She views the strawweight division as revitalizing with new contenders emerging, creating opportunities for fresh matchups and growth among fighters.

Dern draws on her extensive jiu-jitsu background to illustrate the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement, even after setbacks. She highlights that every fight, win or lose, contributes to her growth as a fighter. She also shares that getting "fight of the night bonuses" also kept her motivated.

The fight is scheduled for UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Zhang Weili vacated the title to move to the flyweight division and challenge Valentina Shevchenko.

Yes, Dern defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision at UFC 256 in December 2020.

Do you think Mackenzie Dern will win the strawweight title at UFC 321? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!

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