BREAKING: UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has officially vacated her title, paving the way for an exciting championship bout. Virna Jandiroba (22-3) will face Mackenzie Dern (15-5) for the vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321, scheduled for October 25 in Abu Dhabi. This crucial announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White just moments ago.
This title fight is especially significant as Zhang shifts her focus to the flyweight division, aiming to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322 on November 15 in New York. The upcoming matchup between Jandiroba and Dern serves as a rematch; Dern previously defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision in December 2020.
Since their last encounter, Jandiroba has been on a remarkable run, boasting a record of 6-1 with an active five-fight win streak. In contrast, Dern has faced ups and downs with a 5-4 record since their first fight. However, her recent performances have reignited interest, as she secured victories against Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas in her last two bouts.
In addition to the title clash, UFC 321 will feature a heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall (15-3) and Ciryl Gane (13-2), making this event a must-watch for MMA fans. White has also confirmed a bantamweight matchup between former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (16-2).
The stakes are high as fans anticipate a thrilling showdown at UFC 321, where the future of the strawweight division will be determined. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches!
