Mackenzie Dern Claims UFC Strawweight Title in Thrilling Victory

UPDATE: In a breathtaking showdown, Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant UFC women’s strawweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 on October 14, 2023. Judges scored the fight 48-47 on two cards and 49-46 on another, marking a significant milestone in Dern’s career.

“This feels amazing,” Dern exclaimed, visibly emotional as she celebrated with her six-year-old daughter in the Octagon. The title was previously held by Zhang Weili, who is gearing up for a fight against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in November.

This fight served as a rematch, with Dern having previously defeated Jandiroba in December 2020. Their latest encounter was a tactical battle, with Jandiroba attempting to blend takedowns with striking to disrupt Dern’s rhythm. However, Dern demonstrated her improved striking skills and defensive prowess, consistently outstriking her opponent with a decisive total of 247 strikes landed compared to Jandiroba’s 152.

Dern, a former ADCC world champion, showcased a newly evolved striking approach, implementing a sharp jab and aggressive leg kicks. Despite being on a 5-4 record since their first fight, Dern’s dedication to enhancing her striking proved to be the difference maker in this title bout.

“I was hoping for a knockout,” Dern said, reflecting on her performance. “I knew she would get the takedowns, but I did a lot of damage on the ground.”

Right from the opening bell, Dern set the pace with fierce leg kicks and punches, gaining an early advantage. Jandiroba managed to take Dern down midway through the first round, a departure from their previous meeting. Yet, Dern quickly neutralized Jandiroba’s ground game, maintaining control throughout the fight.

Throughout the contest, Jandiroba attempted nine takedowns but struggled to mount significant offense, as Dern repeatedly returned to her feet. Despite Jandiroba’s resilience, evidenced by visible swelling on her face, she could not match Dern’s striking output.

“This wasn’t the fight I expected; I thought it would be a little easier,” Dern admitted. “But we did a little bit of everything in the cage with striking and on the ground.”

With this victory, Dern has now bested Jandiroba twice and stands at the pinnacle of the strawweight division, ready to defend her title. Fans and analysts alike will now watch closely as Dern prepares for her reign and the implications it has for the division moving forward.

In a sport where moments can define legacies, Mackenzie Dern’s journey to the championship has captivated audiences and set the stage for exciting matchups ahead. As the UFC landscape continues to evolve, this title victory marks a significant chapter in the story of women’s mixed martial arts. Expect more developments in the coming weeks as Dern prepares for her first title defense and Zhang Weili’s upcoming fight.