Redemption or Repeat? Dern vs. Jandiroba for Strawweight Gold at UFC 321
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UFC 321 will see Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba run it back. This time, with the vacant UFC Strawweight Championship on the line.
The title became available after Weili Zhang vacated it to move up in weight, setting her sights on Valentina Shevchenko and the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 322.
It’s been almost five years since their first fight. So, will we see new versions of Dern and Jandiroba, or will the result be the same? Let’s dive in:
The First Encounter
Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba first met in December 2020 at UFC 256, right in the middle of the pandemic. With shortened training camps, no fans in attendance, and the smaller octagon at the UFC Apex, it was anything but a normal fight week.
At the time, Dern was a slight favorite and ultimately walked away with a unanimous decision victory.
Two Different Roads Back to the Top
Both fighters have been active since their initial clash. Dern has gone 5-4, testing herself against the top of the division. Jandiroba on the other hand, has put together a strong 6-1 record. They’ve even faced many of the same opponents, including Amanda Ribas, Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, Lupita Godinez, Amanda Lemos, and Yan Xiaonan.
Dern has wins over Ribas, Godinez, and Hill but suffered losses to Rodriguez, Xiaonan, and Lemos. Jandiroba’s only loss among those shared opponents came against Ribas, while she defeated the rest. Her consistency has earned her the higher ranking heading into the rematch. But, will that translate into an advantage on fight night?
What to Expect This Time Around
Both women are world-class jiu-jitsu practitioners with dangerous submission arsenals. When two elite grapplers square off, their ground skills often cancel each other out, forcing the fight to play out on the feet.
Dern is the more confident striker, though her aggression can lead to defensive lapses. Jandiroba is most dangerous on the mat but can struggle in prolonged stand-up exchanges.
With the strawweight title up for grabs, UFC 321 promises high stakes and high drama. Both fighters have evolved since their first meeting, and this rematch could easily set up a trilogy depending on the outcome.
Whoever leaves as the new champion will usher in the next chapter of the strawweight division — and have big shoes to fill.
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