BREAKING: Longtime UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has officially vacated her title, paving the way for a highly anticipated rematch between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern for the vacant 115-pound championship. The fight is scheduled for UFC 321 on October 25, 2023, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO Dana White made the announcement just moments ago.
This development is critical as Zhang, with a record of 26-3, shifts her focus to the flyweight division, where she will challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the title at UFC 322 on November 15, 2023, in New York. The upcoming title fight marks a significant change in the strawweight landscape and sets the stage for intense competition in both divisions.
Jandiroba (22-3) and Dern (15-5) previously squared off in December 2020, where Dern emerged victorious by unanimous decision. Since that encounter, Jandiroba has been on a roll, boasting a record of 6-1 with an impressive five-fight win streak. Dern, on the other hand, has had a more turbulent path, with a 5-4 record in her last nine fights. However, she is riding high after recent wins against Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas, showcasing her resilience and determination.
The urgency of this rematch cannot be overstated. With the strawweight title now vacant, the stakes are higher than ever for both fighters. Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting this clash, as it will not only decide the new champion but also reshape the future of the division.
In addition to the Jandiroba-Dern title bout, UFC 321 promises to deliver more excitement with a heavyweight showdown between Tom Aspinall (15-3) and Ciryl Gane (13-2) as the main event. White also confirmed a bantamweight clash featuring former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) against Mario Bautista (16-2) at the same event.
As UFC fans around the world prepare for these thrilling matchups, all eyes will be on the Octagon this October. Stay tuned for more updates as the fight night approaches!