Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant UFC women’s strawweight title after a commanding performance against Virna Jandiroba, winning by unanimous decision at UFC 321. The judges scored the bout 48-47 on two cards, while the third judge awarded Dern a 49-46 victory. This win marks a significant milestone for Dern, who celebrated in the Octagon with her six-year-old daughter by her side.
This championship bout took place after former champion Zhang Weili vacated the title to prepare for a scheduled fight against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in November. Dern and Jandiroba previously faced off in December 2020, where Dern emerged victorious in a striking-heavy encounter. In this rematch, Jandiroba attempted to diversify her strategy by integrating takedowns into her game plan.
Despite Jandiroba’s efforts, Dern’s preparation paid off as she repeatedly showcased her striking superiority throughout the 25-minute contest. “We knew the striking was good, but I wish it was better,” Dern commented after the fight, expressing a desire for a knockout despite her successful performance.
Fight Breakdown and Strategy
Mackenzie Dern, a former ADCC world champion renowned for her grappling prowess, displayed an evolved striking game, outstriking Jandiroba with a tally of 247 to 152. Dern’s striking accuracy and volume were evident as she opened the fight aggressively, employing effective leg kicks and punches that established her dominance early on.
Although Jandiroba managed to take Dern down nine times during the match, she struggled to inflict significant damage. Dern’s ability to return to her feet repeatedly neutralized Jandiroba’s offensive attempts. As the rounds progressed, Jandiroba’s face showed the effects of Dern’s precision striking, particularly with swelling under her right eye.
While Jandiroba did manage to land some impactful punches, including damaging shots that left Dern’s face marked, it was not enough to shift the fight in her favor. Dern’s relentless pressure and striking efficiency led her to victory, improving her record against Jandiroba to 2-0.
Future Implications
This victory not only crowns Dern as the new strawweight champion but also highlights her continued evolution as a fighter. With a record of 5-4 since their first encounter, Dern’s dedication to improving her striking capabilities has been a game changer. “It wasn’t the fight I expected; I thought it was going to be a little easier,” she reflected post-fight.
Mackenzie Dern’s championship win opens up new possibilities in the strawweight division as she looks to defend her title against top contenders. As for Jandiroba, despite the setback, she remains a formidable competitor following a five-fight winning streak prior to this bout.
The UFC strawweight landscape continues to evolve, and Dern’s victory at UFC 321 not only solidifies her status as a champion but also sets the stage for exciting matchups in the future.
