BREAKING: Longtime UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has officially vacated her title, paving the way for an electrifying rematch between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern for the vacant 115-pound championship. The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place at UFC 321 on October 25, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White just moments ago.
This decision comes as Zhang, who holds a record of 26-3, prepares to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322 on November 15 in New York. The upcoming title fight marks a crucial opportunity for Zhang to expand her dominance in the UFC, but it also opens a thrilling chapter in the strawweight division.
Jandiroba (22-3) will look to avenge her previous loss to Dern (15-5), who defeated her by unanimous decision in their first encounter back in December 2020. Since that bout, Jandiroba has surged in the rankings, boasting an impressive 6-1 record, including a staggering five-fight win streak. In contrast, Dern’s journey has been tumultuous, with a 5-4 record in her last nine fights. However, she has rebounded strongly in her last two outings, securing victories over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
As fans gear up for this thrilling rematch, the stakes are higher than ever. The winner will not only claim the vacant strawweight title but also solidify their status as a top contender in the division.
In addition to the title fight, UFC 321 will feature a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall (15-3) and Ciryl Gane (13-2) headlining the event. A bantamweight showdown between former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (16-2) has also been announced, further adding excitement to the card.
With the UFC landscape shifting dramatically, fans are urged to stay tuned for updates. This is a defining moment for both Jandiroba and Dern, with the championship on the line and the potential for a career-changing victory.
Expect more developments as the fight date approaches, and mark your calendars for what promises to be an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action.
