With Weili Zhang vacating the UFC women’s strawweight championship to challenge Valentina Shevchenko, Mackenzie Dern now rules the 115-pound division. Dern captured the vacant title with a decision victory over Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321.
Close Early Rounds Show Technical Battle
The first round proved tightly contested, as Jandiroba applied constant grappling pressure. Dern used her jiu-jitsu skills to respond but landed effective strikes that caused notable damage. The second round mirrored the first, with both fighters exchanging control and striking effectively.
In the third round, Dern changed tactics, pressing Jandiroba against the fence while mixing in precise strikes. Despite several takedowns, Dern did more from her back than her opponent could.
Dern Holds Advantage in Later Rounds
Jandiroba controlled most of the fourth round but finished it on her back. Dern capitalized with striking in the fifth, securing a decision victory. Two judges scored the fight 48-47, and the third gave it 49-46.
Fighters Enter the Bout With Strong Records
Jandiroba arrived on a five-fight win streak and six victories in seven fights since her first meeting with Dern. Dern entered with three wins in her last five fights, including a January victory over Amanda Lemos. Her performance at UFC 321 now cements her as the new strawweight champion.
