The UFC Strawweight division is set for a seismic shift as Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba collide for the vacant title in the co-main event of UFC 321 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi. With Zhang Weili moving up in weight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko, the belt is now up for grabs, and both contenders arrive with momentum and unfinished business after their first meeting back in 2020.
A Rematch with High Stakes
Their first clash at UFC Fight Night in December 2020 ended with Dern taking a unanimous decision, but both fighters have evolved considerably since then. For Dern, the rematch represents a chance to prove she is championship material, while Jandiroba will be desperate to even the score and capture her first UFC title.
Two HUGE fights added to #UFC321 🏆 🤩
🇧🇷 Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern 2 🇧🇷
🇷🇺 Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista 🇺🇸@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/uIHPfexBxC— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 29, 2025
Mackenzie Dern’s Redemption Run
Mackenzie Dern enters UFC 321 riding a two-fight win streak, having bounced back strongly after a rocky patch in her career. Known for her elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dern has recently sharpened her striking and defensive skills, making her a far more well-rounded threat inside the Octagon. Victory here would mark the pinnacle of her career, cementing her as a world champion after years of hype and high expectations.
Virna Jandiroba’s Rise
On the other side of the cage stands Virna Jandiroba, who is in the best form of her UFC career. The Brazilian grappler has put together an impressive five-fight winning streak, showing adaptability, composure, and relentless pressure. For Jandiroba, UFC 321 is not just about revenge—it’s about proving she belongs among the very best by claiming UFC gold.
Main Event Spotlight: Aspinall vs Gane
While Dern vs Jandiroba will serve as the co-main event, UFC 321 will be headlined by a blockbuster heavyweight clash between interim champion Tom Aspinall and former titleholder Ciryl Gane. With two high-stakes title fights on the same card, Abu Dhabi looks set to host one of the most exciting UFC events of the year.
Key Details
- Event: UFC 321 – October 25, 2025, Abu Dhabi
- Co-Main Event: Mackenzie Dern vs Virna Jandiroba – Strawweight Title
- Main Event: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane – Heavyweight Title
- Dern’s Recent Form: Two consecutive victories
- Jandiroba’s Form: Five-fight winning streak
- Previous Meeting: Dern defeated Jandiroba via unanimous decision in December 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is fighting for the Strawweight title at UFC 321?
- Mackenzie Dern will rematch Virna Jandiroba in Abu Dhabi for the vacant Strawweight championship.
- Why is the Strawweight title vacant?
- Zhang Weili vacated her Strawweight belt to move up in weight and challenge Valentina Shevchenko at flyweight.
- When is UFC 321 taking place?
- UFC 321 is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.
- What happened in their first fight?
- Mackenzie Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision in their first meeting in December 2020.
- Who is headlining UFC 321?
- The main event features Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
