BREAKING NEWS: Mackenzie Dern has just won the vacant UFC women’s strawweight title, defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision in a thrilling co-main event at UFC 321 on October 21, 2023. Two judges scored the bout 48-47, while a third had it 49-46 in favor of Dern, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In a post-fight emotional moment, a tearful Dern celebrated with her six-year-old daughter in the Octagon, stating, “This feels amazing.” The championship was vacated by Zhang Weili, who is gearing up for her fight against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko next month.
This victory is particularly notable as Dern and Jandiroba previously faced off in December 2020, where Dern emerged victorious in a striking-heavy bout. In their rematch, Jandiroba attempted to utilize takedowns to disrupt Dern’s rhythm, but the champion was well-prepared, showcasing her evolved striking skills throughout the 25-minute fight.
Dern outstruck Jandiroba with a total of 247 significant strikes to 152, demonstrating her improvement in stand-up exchanges. “We knew the striking was good, but I wish it was better. I was hoping for a knockout,” Dern remarked, reflecting on her performance.
Despite Jandiroba’s attempts to impose her grappling game, taking Dern down nine times, she struggled to mount any substantial offense. Dern consistently returned to her feet, keeping the pressure on Jandiroba, who suffered noticeable damage, including swelling under her right eye.
“This wasn’t the fight I expected; I thought it was going to be a little easier,” Dern admitted. “I know she would get the takedowns. I think I did a lot of damage on the ground, but we did a little bit of everything in the cage with striking and on the ground.”
The victory marks a pivotal moment for Dern, who has faced ups and downs with a record of 5-4 in her last nine fights. The champion’s relentless dedication to improving her striking game has now paid off, allowing her to secure the title against a formidable opponent.
As the fight concluded, Dern solidified her reputation not only as a grappling expert but as a well-rounded mixed martial artist. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how she defends her title and what lies ahead in the competitive strawweight division.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dern’s reign and the upcoming match between Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko, as the UFC landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
