Virna and Mackenzie are jiu-jitsu experts and top UFC fighters. Photo: Reproduction/Super Fights Montage
Even before UFC 321 takes place, Brazil already has a special reason to celebrate. This Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi (UAE), the country will have another belt. That's because Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba will face off in the co-main event to define who will win the vacant strawweight belt (up to 52,2 kg).
Since Zhang Weili decided to venture into the flyweight division (up to 57 kg) to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for her second title in a different weight class, she had to relinquish her strawweight title. Therefore, with the top spot in the division vacant, the UFC brought in two Brazilian fighters for the bout. Thus, Brazil will have its fourth champion in the company's history. The winner of Virna vs. Mackenzie will join the select group that includes Amanda Nunes , Cris Cyborg , and Jéssica Andrade.
See too
Amanda is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
The history of Brazilian women holding UFC belts began with Amanda Nunes . In 2016, "The Lioness" submitted Miesha Tate in the first round, starting her long reign in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).
Cyborg is an MMA legend who has won titles across multiple organizations. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/criscyborg
In 2017, it was Cris Cyborg 's turn to shine. The veteran of combat sports dominated Tonya Evinger and knocked her out in the third round, winning the featherweight title (up to 65,8 kg).
Amanda displays the UFC belts. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
The following season, Amanda shone again. The Brazilian challenged her compatriot to a UFC champion superfight and shocked the world. In an incredible 51 seconds, the Bahian knocked out Cyborg, simultaneously winning the featherweight title.
Jessica is one of the greatest names in the history of women's MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Back in 2019, Jéssica Andrade made history by becoming the strawweight champion (up to 52,2 kg). In Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian delivered a violent slam to Rose Namajunas , knocking her out in the second round.
History and Responsibility
Now it's Mackenzie or Virna's turn to take the UFC's top spot and continue the trio's legacy. Interestingly, strawweight is a division teeming with Brazilian fighters in the top 15. Therefore, without Zhang Weili, the new era in the division will feature a Brazilian athlete as champion and, who knows, could feature new fights between compatriots, given the constant evolution of women's MMA.
Fighters have already faced each other
The UFC 321 co-main event marks the second time Mackenzie and Virna will meet in the Octagon. The first clash between the Brazilians took place in 2020, and Dern defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision.
First face-off between Virna and Mackenzie
Brazilian duel for the title! @VirnaJandiroba and @MackenzieDern will fight for the strawweight belt at #UFC321 ! Check out the face-off at the press conference!
Saturday (25) | Watch live on @UFCFightPassBR ! @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/Cip57IFHqZ
— UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) October 23, 2025
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