Wed Oct 22 05:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Mackenzie Dern will fight Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 for the vacant strawweight title after Zhang Weili vacated the belt to move up to flyweight and fight Valentina Shevchenko. While Dern respects Zhang, she believes now isn’t the right time to fight her, but that could change with a title win. Dern already defeated Jandiroba at UFC 256. Dern believes the strawweight division will become more competitive.
News Article:
Dern vs. Jandiroba for Strawweight Title at UFC 321; Dern Eyes Future Weili Showdown
Las Vegas, NV – Mackenzie Dern will face Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321 for the vacant strawweight championship, marking Dern’s first shot at UFC gold. The title became available after Zhang Weili vacated it to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322.
Dern expressed respect for Zhang’s accomplishments but admitted she doesn’t believe she’s currently ready for a fight against the former champion. However, a title win could change things. “I don’t think I’d be ready to fight Weili right now at this moment of my career,” Dern told MMA Fighting. “But I do think that if I do win the belt…I feel like I’d be way more ready and prepared to fight her.”
Dern previously defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision at UFC 256 in December 2020. She sees the strawweight division opening up with more competitive matchups now that Zhang has vacated the belt. Regardless of Zhang’s future plans, Dern’s focus remains on defeating Jandiroba and claiming the strawweight title. “The main goal is to beat Virna, win the belt, and then we’ll see if she comes back down or not,” Dern stated.
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