Dern and Jandiroba to Vie for Vacant Strawweight Championship
On October 25, 2025, Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba are set to clash over the unfilled UFC women’s strawweight championship in the illustrious Etihad Arena located in Abu Dhabi. This anticipated match is part of the UFC 321’s co-main event. Following Zhang Weili’s decision to advance to the flyweight division, she left the strawweight title unclaimed.
Interestingly, Dern discovered the true nature of her upcoming fight not through direct communication with the UFC, but through the official announcement. Initially, she was under the impression that she was gearing up for an interim title fight. The announcement, therefore, served as an unexpected, yet welcomed surprise.
Dern had only previously been informed of a potential interim title fight a few weeks, specifically about three or four, prior to the match. The sudden shift of the match being for the actual strawweight title only ramped up the stakes for her. Her experience served as a prime example of how even high-profile athletes can be caught off-guard due to lapses in communication.
Reacting to the news, Dern encapsulated the moment as a burst of exhilaration. Filled with newfound motivation and focus, she expressed her preparedness to seize this opportunity. She’s keen on taking full advantage of the unexpected turn of events.
It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba have crossed paths inside the octagon. Their paths initially converged back in December 2020, during UFC 256. In that encounter, Dern emerged victorious through a unanimous decision by the judges.
Post their initial encounter, both fighters have significantly polished their records. Jandiroba has been on a roll with a string of five consecutive victories. On the other hand, Dern has proven her mettle post that bout with commendable triumphs over opponents like Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
On Zhang Weili’s part, her decision to vacate the strawweight title to compete in UFC 322 the following November, the Dern-Jandiroba matchup was transformed into a title contention bout. The stakes for this rematch center around the vacant 115-pound title, drawing even more interest from fans and stakeholders alike.
The fight will be a key highlight at UFC 321, laying the groundwork for the primary event – the heavyweight collision. The UFC continues its strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi, regularly utilizing it as a global arena for high-caliber bouts. The Dern-Jandiroba fight follows suit in maintaining this tradition.
As regards the official rankings, Dern currently occupies the No. 5 berth in the strawweight division. On the flip side, Jandiroba has managed to clinch the No. 1 position, reasserting her formidable presence in the division. The upcoming fight serves as an opportunity for both fighters to cement their standings even further.
This unprecedented shift in title contention stakes showcases the volatile dynamics of the sport and the unexpected opportunities it presents to athletes. The announcement not only amped up the anticipation for Dern but also, potentially, changed the tide of her already stellar career. Her bout with Jandiroba has officially evolved from just another fight, to a potential career-defining title match.
Despite the surprise, Dern’s reaction shows her professionalism and readiness to face unexpected changes. Comparable to many sports, the world of Mixed Martial Arts is rife with sudden changes and the best athletes, like Dern, understand the need to adapt swiftly and effectively.
Her rematch with Jandiroba isn’t just about the title, it’s also a testament to their growth as athletes since their last encounter. Both coming off impressive streaks, they each have the opportunity to prove they are not the same fighters they were in December 2020. The bout is about improvement, proof of development, and of course, the coveted strawweight title.
The co-main event of UFC 321 will not just be a highly competitive bout but also a showcase of adaptability and preparedness. The high-stakes fight between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba has amplified excitement among fans, media, and within the entire Mixed Martial Arts community.