Mackenzie Dern Triumphs Over Virna Jandiroba in a Grueling Fight to Capture the Strawweight Championship at UFC 321
Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba battled in the co-main event of UFC 321, held in Abu Dhabi, for the vacant strawweight title. After a five-round contest, Dern showcased superior grappling, endurance, and control, earning a unanimous decision victory. The triumph marked a career-defining moment for Dern, who finally captured her first UFC world title after years of hard work.
The belt became vacant following Zhang Weili’s transition to the flyweight division, opening an exciting opportunity for new contenders. Heading into the fight, Jandiroba carried strong momentum with six consecutive victories, making her the favorite among many fans. However, Mackenzie Dern defied all expectations, using her resilience and elite grappling to outlast and overpower Jandiroba over five rounds.
Dern displayed remarkable striking over five intense rounds, effectively using her jab and precise leg kicks to pressure Jandiroba continuously. Despite Jandiroba achieving multiple takedowns and briefly controlling positions, she inflicted minimal damage while Dern’s counters remained dominant. Dern’s precise combinations and sharp defensive awareness effectively neutralized Jandiroba’s wrestling, turning the contest into a stand-up battle.
Jandiroba’s early takedown effectiveness diminished as her stamina waned, enabling Dern to control exchanges and dictate pace in later championship rounds. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in Dern’s favor, earning her second career win over Jandiroba and her first UFC title. The bout highlighted Dern’s evolving versatility as a fighter, proving her as a balanced champion, dangerous both standing and on the ground.
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“It feels amazing. It wasn’t the fight that I expected. I thought it was going to be a little bit easier,” said Mackenzie Dern during the Octagon interview. The fighter then celebrated the win with her daughter as the crowd cheered loudly for her. It will be interesting to see how the fighter continues his reign as the new UFC champion.
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