Virna Jandiroba Anticipates Zhang Weili’s Return to Challenge UFC 321 Strawweight Title Winner
Virna Jandiroba is eyeing the UFC 321 strawweight title, hoping to prove her prowess in the octagon. This event is crucial for Jandiroba as she faces Mackenzie Dern in a rematch, with the vacant title at stake.
UFC 321: High Stakes for Jandiroba
Scheduled for Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UFC 321 will feature Jandiroba (22-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) against Dern (15-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC). The fight comes after Jandiroba experienced a prior decision loss to Dern, adding pressure to this upcoming bout.
Zhang Weili’s Influence
The strawweight title became vacant when Zhang Weili stepped up to face Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship at UFC 322. Regardless of the outcome of Jandiroba’s fight, she understands that Zhang’s absence may spark questions regarding the legitimacy of her championship reign.
- Jandiroba’s Perspective: She expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, “As a professional, I would like that challenge to fight someone as dominant as Weili.”
- Future Challenges: Jandiroba believes a fight against Zhang would be an excellent opportunity to test her skills further.
Aiming for Championship Activity
If victorious at UFC 321, Jandiroba plans to defend her title at least twice a year. She aims for a more active schedule than Zhang’s one-fight-a-year approach.
Champion’s Philosophy
Jandiroba acknowledged the unique challenges of being an active champion, stating, “Fighting once a year isn’t good for me. Two fights a year will let me prepare adequately and perform at my best.”
While Jandiroba respects other champions, including Merab Dvalishvili, she believes her planned activity rate aligns with her goals. Thus, her journey showcases not only her ambition but also her strategy in the quest for the title.
