UFC Champions Vacate Titles Ahead of Major Fight Events

Las Vegas, Nevada — Longtime UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has vacated her title to pursue a move to the flyweight division, prompting the UFC to announce a fight for the vacant 115-pound title. The matchup will see Amanda Lemos (22-3) face Jessica Andrade (15-5) at UFC 321 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Thursday.

Zhang, who left the strawweight division to challenge for the flyweight title at UFC 322 on November 15 in New York, will be making high-stakes moves in her career. The upcoming title fight marks a rematch, as Dern previously defeated Jandiroba in December 2020 by unanimous decision.

Since their last encounter, Jandiroba has been on a roll, winning six out of seven bouts with an active five-fight win streak. In contrast, Dern has faced ups and downs with a 5-4 record but has demonstrated skill in recent fights, securing wins over notable opponents.

UFC 321 is set to be a star-studded event, headlined by a heavyweight title clash between Jon Jones (15-3) and Tom Aspinall (13-2) at Etihad Arena. Additionally, White announced a bantamweight bout between former title contender Cory Sandhagen (18-1) and rising star Sandhagen (16-2).

Looking ahead, UFC 322 will also feature an exciting co-main event where former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (27-1) attempts to claim the welterweight title against the current champion. Makhachev, who had vacated the lightweight belt earlier this year, aims to become a two-division champion—a feat not achieved by his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In the co-main event, Zhang Weili will also compete for the flyweight championship against Valentina Shevchenko, who has dominated the division at 37. Shevchenko is also vying to maintain her legacy with multiple title defenses across her career.

The buildup for these events is already generating buzz, and UFC CEO Dana White has outlined plans for a potential live event at the White House on July 4, 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday celebration. Further details will be forthcoming, but the announcement has excited UFC fans across the nation.

In closing, fans eagerly await the developments surrounding UFC 321 and UFC 322, where champions are stepping up and making their marks in the octagon.