Streaking Brazilian Virna Jandiroba and multiple-time BJJ world champion Mackenzie Dern run it back in Abu Dhabi, meeting to determine who will occupy the throne atop the strawweight division.
Entering on a five-fight winning streak, Jandiroba has been a steadily ascending force over the last three years, posting victories over rankings mainstays like Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, and Loopy Godinez. Last time out, “Carcará” collected a unanimous decision win over former title challenger Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314 in Miami, sweeping the scorecards to further solidify her spot atop the list of contenders in the 115-pound weight class.
WATCH: Mackenzie Dern Fight Camp Interview | UFC 321
Dern touches down in Abu Dhabi on a two-fight winning streak, having opened the year with a third-round submission win over Amanda Ribas, avenging her previous loss to the Brazilian Top 15 mainstay. The 32-year-old is one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors on the UFC roster, with continually developing striking and a bottomless reservoir of heart and moxie, making her an ideal candidate to challenge for championship gold here.
These two previously shared the Octagon at UFC 256 at the end of 2020, with Dern earning a unanimous decision win with scores of 29-28 across the board, the duo splitting the first two rounds before Dern claimed the third and the victory. They have taken very different journeys since then — Jandiroba is 6-1, Dern is 5-4 — only to cross paths once more here, with the opportunity to add “UFC strawweight champion” to their list of accomplishments this weekend.