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Mackenzie Dern Defeats Virna Jandiroba to Win Vacant UFC Strawweight Title at UFC 321

Judges rewarded Dern’s sharper striking and sustained offense over Jandiroba’s takedowns in a five-round rematch.

Overview

  • Dern won by unanimous decision with scores of 48–47, 48–47, and 49–46 in the co-main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25.
  • The title was vacant after Zhang Weili moved up to challenge Valentina Shevchenko at flyweight, reshaping the strawweight pecking order and future matchmaking.
  • Jandiroba secured multiple takedowns, but Dern consistently landed the cleaner shots on the feet and dealt damage from guard that swayed the scorecards.
  • The result completes a sweep of their series after Dern’s 2020 decision win, with five-round pacing and championship rounds influencing strategy and momentum.
  • Reaction was split online, with praise for Dern’s emotional celebration with her daughter Moa and debate from fans and some fighters over the scoring.