Is Zhang Weili the greatest strawweight in UFC history? That’s the question fans have been asking ever since ‘Magnum’ moved up a weight class, leaving her belt behind to chase double-champ glory against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322. With her move, the promotion booked Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba 2 at UFC 321 to crown the new champ. Although Dern is confident that she’ll bring the belt home on October 25, she admits it would’ve been a whole different story if the Chinese star still ruled the division.
After losing twice to Rose Namajunas, many thought Zhang Weili’s downfall was inevitable. But instead, she bounced back with a five-fight winning streak, beating every top contender who stood in her way. So, Mackenzie Dern worrying that her chance of winning the title could’ve been at risk is somewhat understandable. However, although Dern admits she wouldn’t beat the former champ in her current form – the Arizona native wouldn’t mind a showdown with Weili after she settles business at UFC 321.
Mackenzie Dern eyes UFC White House showdown vs Zhang Weili
In an interview with MMA fighting, Dern said, “I definitely think that if Weili was the champion right now of our division, and obviously I wouldn’t say no to a title shot. But, I don’t think I’d be ready to fight with Weili right now, at this moment in my career. But I do think, if I do win the belt, and then if we were to fight at the White House or something in June, I feel like I’d be way more ready and prepared to fight her, you know what I mean.”
Mackenzie Dern will face Virna Jandiroba for the second time in her career this October. Assuming Zhang Weili wins her second belt against Valentina Shevchenko at Madison Square Garden, their potential clash could happen in June—roughly seven to eight months later. Would that be enough time for Dern to reach her peak?
The Brazilian believes it would. She’s confident that the gap gives her enough time to sharpen her game and face Weili on what could be the biggest event in UFC history. She added, “I mean I know it’s like… one year or bit like 6 months or 8 months difference, you know. How much better you can get in 8 months. But I think just winning the belt, there’s like a confidence part that gives you, that you you get from that training, and more time.”
At UFC 256, Mackenzie Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba in a three-round bout by unanimous decision. But their upcoming matchup will feature two extra championship rounds that could completely change the pace of the fight. Still, the Arizona native believes those final rounds will actually work in her favor, as most of her losses came in three-round bouts where she didn’t have enough time to build momentum and figure out her opponent. At UFC 321, Dern believes that won’t be the case.
In an UFC interview, Dern said, “I’ve had about four or five five-round fights in the last five years. It changes the game a bit compared to three rounds—you have some rounds where you can feel out and see how your opponent is fighting, find your timing. Three rounds go by so fast; you don’t want to fall behind. But in five rounds, you have 25 minutes to really figure out your opponent and see.”
But, that’s not all, she also implied that her team has been working on to fully utilize those 25 minutes by actually improving the cardio. And if Dern can build up her cardio and add some power to her hands, the chances of her winning the strawweight belt would rise significantly. And if the Arizona native manages to defend it a couple of times, who knows? She might eventually face Zhang Weili in the future too.
That said, do you think Dern can actually become the champion at UFC 321? Or will Jandiroba be too much for her to handle this time? Let us know in the comments below.
