Virna Jandiroba is not the same fighter who faced Mackenzie Dern five years ago.
After surrendering a unanimous decision to the BJJ bomb in December 2020, Jandiroba could score ultimate redemption at UFC 321 on October 25, when she faces Dern for the undisputed strawweight world championship.
Since the loss to Dern, Jandiroba has posted a solid 6-1 record and enters her first UFC title opportunity on a five-fight win streak that includes a second-round win over Amanda Lemos and a decision W vs. Yan Xiaonan.
“I have changed a lot in the past five years,” Jandiroba said MMA junkie. “I have invested a lot of time in getting to know myself better and improving myself, not only as an athlete, but also as a person. Today I feel like a different woman – more aware, more balanced, and that of course has made me a better fighter. The technical improvements are obvious, but the most important transformation was mental. I have learned to be kinder to myself, and I think most people would improve their quality of life if they did the same.”
Virna Jandiroba praises Dern’s evolution over the past five years
Jandiroba also acknowledged that her opponent has improved significantly since their opening meeting.
“As a fighter, Mackenzie has definitely evolved,” Jandiroba continued. “You can clearly see improvements in her striking and her wrestling – areas that were always questioned before. She is a much better MMA fighter than she was five years ago, and she shouldn’t be too hard on herself.”
Although Dern has enjoyed the same success as Jandiroba in recent years, she is the number one contender to leave Abu Dhabi on Saturday night with the 115-pound crown.
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