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5d ago

Mackenzie Dern Says She Learned UFC 321 Title Stakes on Instagram as Custody Dispute Clouds Abu Dhabi Week

The rematch with Virna Jandiroba fills the strawweight vacancy created by Zhang Weili’s move to flyweight.

(via Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)
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Overview

  • Dana White’s recent announcement confirmed Dern vs. Jandiroba for the undisputed strawweight championship as the UFC 321 co-main event on Oct. 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
  • Dern said the UFC had discussed an interim belt weeks earlier and that she discovered the switch to the full title when White revealed it on Instagram.
  • She messaged manager Tiki Ghosn to clarify the stakes and was told it would be for the “real belt,” highlighting a late change in communication.
  • Dern disclosed a custody disagreement with ex-husband Wesley Santos that could keep their daughter from attending fight week in Abu Dhabi.
  • The bout is a 2020 rematch that Dern won by decision; Jandiroba enters ranked No. 1 on a five-fight streak, while Dern is No. 5 with two straight wins.