Mackenzie Dern eyes redemption: A UFC 321 title win could prepare her for Zhang Weili showdown
Mackenzie Dern is on the brink of a significant career moment as she prepares for her first UFC title fight. This Saturday, she will compete against Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight championship at UFC 321. This matchup comes after Zhang Weili, the former champion, vacated her title to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight belt at the upcoming UFC 322 event.
Mackenzie Dern’s Path to Redemption
Despite her ambitions, Dern believes the timing to face Weili isn’t right. She respects Weili’s achievements but acknowledges that more preparation is needed before stepping into the octagon with the seasoned champion. “If Weili was champion of our division right now, I wouldn’t say no to a title shot, but I don’t think I’d be ready,” Dern stated.
Preparing for UFC 321
Currently, Dern’s focus is solely on defeating Jandiroba. This fight marks her 16th appearance in the UFC. She previously bested Jandiroba by unanimous decision at UFC 256 in December 2020. Winning this title could provide Dern with the confidence boost necessary to challenge elite fighters in her division.
- Event: UFC 321
- Date: Saturday (exact date unspecified)
- Title on the Line: Vacant Strawweight Championship
- Opponent: Virna Jandiroba
Future Aspirations
Should Dern secure the championship, she envisions facing Weili in the future. “I feel like I’d be way more ready and prepared to fight her,” Dern noted. She expressed optimism about the evolving landscape of the strawweight division, highlighting a wave of new contenders emerging.
Dern emphasizes that while Weili’s status is impressive, there is plenty of talent rising through the ranks. “The strawweight division is growing so much, and there are so many tough girls coming up,” she explained. This growth brings excitement and new opportunities for all fighters involved.
In conclusion, Mackenzie Dern stands at a crucial juncture in her career. A victory over Jandiroba could set the stage for a future clash with Weili, marking a significant moment in her journey within the UFC.
