Mackenzie Dern to Compete for Vacant Title at UFC 321

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Mackenzie Dern will fight Virna Jandiroba this Saturday at UFC 321 for the vacant strawweight championship. This title became available after Zhang Weili moved up in weight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight belt.

For Dern, this match is significant. It marks her first title shot in the UFC after 15 appearances in the octagon. Deriving confidence from her previous victory over Jandiroba in December 2020, Dern aims to capitalize on her experience and reach a new milestone in her career.

“I’ve fought hard to be where I am. This fight means everything to me,” Dern said in an interview. “Winning the belt is not just about the title; it’s about the growth and confidence it brings.”

At 32, Dern has gone through ups and downs, most recently bouncing back from two consecutive losses to earn her title shot. In her last two fights, she claimed victories over Lupita Godinez and her recent opponent, Jandiroba. The latter fight will determine who holds the championship title.

Jandiroba brings a five-fight winning streak into the bout, asserting her status as one of the top competitors in the strawweight division. Known for her grappling skills, she will look to avenge her previous loss against Dern.

“This fight is more than just for a title; it is about proving how much we have both evolved as fighters since our last meeting,” Jandiroba stated.

As the stakes rise, both fighters are aware of the significance of this bout in shaping their futures. Dern’s ambitions extend beyond just this match, eyeing a potential showdown with Zhang Weili if she secures the victory. However, her immediate focus remains on defeating Jandiroba and winning the belt.

“Right now, I just want to win the title. The future is exciting, but I have to take it one fight at a time,” Dern emphasized.

The excitement for UFC 321 is palpable, as fans wait to see how the fight unfolds and who will emerge as the new strawweight champion.