Mackenzie Dern claimed the vacant UFC women’s strawweight championship at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, defeating Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision by scores of 48-47, 48-47, 49-46. The 32-year-old fighter’s victory over Jandiroba marked her second straight victory over the Brazilian and her first UFC title in nine years of MMA competition.
Mackenzie Dern pours her heart out after winning the UFC 321 championship
“UFC Strawweight WORLD CHAMPION! For some this is the last point, but for me it’s just the beginning! Thank you to my coaches, my manager, my team, my family, friends and fans!! I have so much to grow and get better and I will do my best to work harder every day! Thank you Abu Dhabi! The place where I won 2 of my world titles! You have a special place in my heart! It Jiu-Jitsu girl made it to the top! All glory to God! 🌟🌟🌟”
The fight itself showcased Dern’s evolution as a mixed martial artist. She had a competitive five-round fight against Jandiroba, who attempted nine takedowns during the match. Despite being taken down multiple times, Dern managed her positioning on the ground effectively while establishing dominance in striking exchanges.
According to official statistics, Dern scored a total of 247 punches compared to Jandiroba’s 208, demonstrating her improved boxing under the guidance of the renowned striking coach. Jason Parillo. This striking advantage proved decisive despite Jandiroba’s tactical wrestling approach.
Dern’s path to championship gold included navigating a career marked by significant challenges and notable setbacks. After making her UFC debut in 2018, she faced weight management issues that cost her performance bonuses and faced criticism in her early years. During this period, she posted a 1-3 record in her first four UFC fights and struggled with body composition management, losing weight three times in her first seven fights. Between 2020 and 2024, Dern endured a particularly rough stretch, winning just two of six fights, raising questions about her championship potential.
The turnaround began when she reunited with striking coach Jason Parillo and refined her overall combat approach. Dern defeated Amanda Ribas by submission in January 2025 to improve her win streak to three straight, positioning herself for title consideration following Zhang Weili’s decision to vacate the strawweight championship in pursuit of a superfight against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322 in November.
In addition to her MMA achievements, Dern’s victory has historical significance for combat sports. She became the first wife to win the IBJJF World Championship, an ADCC World Championship and a UFC title, joining Fabricio Werdum as the second athlete ever to accomplish this feat in Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s most prestigious organizations.
Prior to her MMA career, Dern established herself as a wrestling prodigy, winning world championships at every level and capturing gold at the 2015 ADCC Championship and the 2015 IBJJF World Championship in both gi and no-gi formats. Her father, Wellington “Megaton” Dias, is a decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor himself and played a central role in her development from childhood training.
The location in Abu Dhabi was of great significance Dern beyond the title opportunity. She won the Abu Dhabi World Pro Championship exactly ten years earlier, on April 25, 2015, defeating Gabi Garcia, a match considered one of her signature wrestling victories. Dern noted before UFC 321 that competing in the same city on October 25, 2025 felt coincidental.
After the victory announcement, Dern entered the Octagon with her six-year-old daughter, Moa Dern Santos, in an emotionally charged moment. Dern presented her daughter with the UFC championship belt and reflected on how motherhood shaped her career trajectory in her post-fight comments. She stated that her daughter’s presence throughout her fighting journey motivated her performance in the cage and strengthened her determination to overcome previous adversities.
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