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Champion Mackenzie Dern Set for Showdown with Zhang Weili

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mackenzie Dern, UFC strawweight champion, expects her first title defense against Zhang Weili, who vacated the strawweight title to pursue flyweight.
Dern believes Weili remains a strong contender despite her loss to Valentina Shevchenko.
Dern won the vacant title by defeating Virna Jandiroba.
Many fans still view Weili as the top strawweight.
Dern does not feel pressure to fight Weili to prove her status, but a bout could boost credibility.

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Story summary

Mackenzie Dern, UFC strawweight champion, expects her first title defense against Zhang Weili, who vacated the strawweight title to pursue flyweight.
Dern believes Weili remains a strong contender despite her loss to Valentina Shevchenko.
Dern won the vacant title by defeating Virna Jandiroba.
Many fans still view Weili as the top strawweight.
Dern does not feel pressure to fight Weili to prove her status, but a bout could boost credibility.