Mackenzie Dern to Challenge Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 for Vacant Title

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Mackenzie Dern is set to face Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321 this Saturday, October 25, with the vacant strawweight championship on the line. Dern’s title shot comes after Zhang Weili vacated the belt to challenge for the flyweight title.

This match marks Dern’s 16th appearance in the octagon and comes against a familiar rival; she defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision at UFC 256 in December 2020. Dern believes the timing for facing Zhang Weili in her career wouldn’t be right. “I wouldn’t say no to a title shot, but I don’t think I’d be ready to fight Weili right now,” she stated in an interview with MMA Fighting.

Dern, who has been a prominent fighter in the division, sees this opportunity as a chance to elevate not only her career but the entire strawweight division. She expressed hope that the matchup will energize the fighters in her weight class. “This is going to get all of us a little bit more uplifted,” Dern said.

The co-main event is particularly significant as it will determine the new champion of a division previously dominated by Zhang Weili. Dern aims to win the title and welcomes the challenges that lie ahead, including potential future bouts against top contenders like Weili. “If she does come back down, me or Virna will be ready to fight her,” Dern remarked.

UFC 321 will take place at the Etihad Arena, with fans excited about both the main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, and Dern’s bout, which promises to showcase high levels of grappling and strategy.