Mackenzie Dern Prepares for Title Shot at UFC 321 Amid Zhang Weili's Move to Flyweight

Mackenzie Dern is set to face Virna Jandiroba for the vacant UFC strawweight championship at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. This title opportunity arises after Zhang Weili vacated the belt to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322. Dern, currently ranked No. 5 in the strawweight division, previously defeated Jandiroba at UFC 256 in December 2020, but acknowledges that this rematch presents a different challenge.

Mackenzie Dern admits she may not have been ready to face Zhang Weili, but title win at UFC 321 can change that

In recent interviews, Dern expressed her belief that she may not have been ready to face Zhang Weili if the latter were still champion. “I definitely think that if Weili was champion right now of our division... I don’t think I’d be ready to fight Weili right now at this moment of my career,” Dern stated. She emphasized that winning the title against Jandiroba would boost her confidence and prepare her for a potential future matchup with Weili. “If I do win the belt... I feel like I’d be way more ready and prepared to fight her,” she added.

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Zhang Weili's move to flyweight has created a significant shift in the strawweight division, allowing fighters like Dern and Jandiroba to vie for the championship. Dern views this as an opportunity for the division to evolve, stating, “I think it was just kind of like unpause, 'cause she’s just so dominant.” She believes that the absence of Weili will allow other fighters to gain experience and confidence, ultimately leading to a more competitive environment.

Mackenzie Dern Suggests Zhang Weili Return to Strawweight After Trilogy Prediction vs. Valentina Shevchenko

While Dern is optimistic about her chances, some critics argue that her focus on a potential future fight with Weili may distract her from the immediate challenge posed by Jandiroba. The latter has been on a five-fight winning streak and poses a formidable threat. Dern acknowledges this, stating, “I know that Jandiroba is coming for revenge,” highlighting the importance of her upcoming fight.

UFC 321: How to watch Aspinall-Gane, Jandiroba-Dern title fights, Abu Dhabi lineup, odds

UFC officials have confirmed that the co-main event of UFC 321 will feature the title fight between Dern and Jandiroba, with the winner potentially facing Weili in the future. Dern has expressed her desire to be an active champion, stating, “I just want to be the champion who fights often, regularly, and fights the best guys.”

Watch ‘Countdown to UFC 321’ full video here | Aspinall vs. Gane

Should Dern secure the title, she is open to a future bout with Zhang Weili, who is expected to return to the strawweight division after her fight with Shevchenko. Dern stated, “If she comes back after the next fight, I think either me or Virna will be ready to fight her too.” This potential matchup could reignite the competitive spirit in the strawweight division.

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• “I definitely think that if Weili was champion right now of our division, and I mean, obviously, I wouldn’t say no to a title shot, but I don’t think I’d be ready to fight Weili right now at this moment of my career,” — Mackenzie Dern, UFC Fighter

Mackenzie Dern ‘not ready to fight Weili right now,’ will be ‘way more prepared’ with title victory at UFC 321

• “I think it was just kind of like unpause, cuz she’s just so dominant, so I think it’s good for her to go up,” — Mackenzie Dern, on Zhang Weili's impact on the strawweight division.

Mackenzie Dern Suggests Zhang Weili Return to Strawweight After Trilogy Prediction vs. Valentina Shevchenko

• “I just want to be the champion who fights often, regularly, and fights the best guys,” — Mackenzie Dern, on her aspirations as a champion.

Watch ‘Countdown to UFC 321’ full video here | Aspinall vs. Gane