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Mackenzie Dern Battles Virna Jandiroba for Vacant UFC Title

9/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mackenzie Dern will face Virna Jandiroba for the vacant UFC strawweight title at UFC 321 on October 25.
Dern discovered the title opportunity through Dana White's Instagram announcement.
Zhang Weili vacated the title to pursue a fight with Valentina Shevchenko.
Dern previously defeated Jandiroba in 2020 and seeks to reaffirm her contender status.
UFC 321 will be held at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

History

Historical Context

The UFC established the women's strawweight division in 2014, with Carla Esparza becoming the inaugural champion. This move followed the growing popularity of women's MMA, highlighted by organizations like Invicta FC. Over the years, the division has expanded to feature prominent fighters such as Zhang Weili and Mackenzie Dern, reflecting the increasing visibility and competitiveness of female athletes in the sport.

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Story summary

Mackenzie Dern will face Virna Jandiroba for the vacant UFC strawweight title at UFC 321 on October 25.
Dern discovered the title opportunity through Dana White's Instagram announcement.
Zhang Weili vacated the title to pursue a fight with Valentina Shevchenko.
Dern previously defeated Jandiroba in 2020 and seeks to reaffirm her contender status.
UFC 321 will be held at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

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