Mackenzie Dern says she's not ready for Weili Zhang, but believes there will be a change after UFC 321

Mackenzie dern celebrates victory in UFC Las Vegas 101 (Photo: Instagram/UFC ANZ)

In the best phase of his career and on a collision course to face Virna jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC 321 with the strawweight title (up to 52,1 kg) at stake, Mackenzie dern could become the new queen of the category dominated for many years by Weili Zhang. Despite embracing the opportunity to fight for the belt, the Brazilian was honest in admitting that she didn't feel comfortable facing the Chinese at this point in her career.

See too

UFC commentator excited about the possibility of Alex Poatan facing Jon Jones: 'Biggest fight in history'

Gilbert Durinho points to possible next UFC opponent and reveals return date

Paulo Borrachinha mocks Reinier De Ridder's withdrawal from UFC Vancouver

The fighter spoke about the matter in an interview with the North American website 'MMA Fighting' this Monday (20). According to her, a fight with the former champion in the next round would not be the best scenario. However, this could change depending on the result of next Saturday's event (25).

"I definitely think if Weili were the champion of our division right now, and I mean, obviously, I wouldn't turn down a title shot, but I don't think I'd be ready to fight Weili at this point in my career, you know what I mean? But I think if I win the belt, and then whatever it is—if we fight at the White House or something in June—I feel like I'd be much more ready and prepared to fight her," she said.

#UFC321's Mackenzie dern admits she may not have been ready to face Zhang Weili before Zhang moved up to flyweight, but a title win on Saturday changes that.

(Via @MikeHeck_JR) pic.twitter.com/pVEqZK6nds

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 20, 2025

Mackenzie acknowledged that even with a short period of time between fights, the psychological aspect would make a big difference in her performance in a fight against Zhang in the higher division. The Chinese fighter left the category to compete for the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg) against Valentina Shevchenko.

"I know it's like a six- or eight-month difference. How much do you think you'll improve in eight months? But I think just winning the title gives you a boost of confidence, and it's just more training and more time. She was so dominant in the strawweight division," she concluded.

Mackenzie dern after victory in UFC Las Vegas 73 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)