Mackenzie defeated Virna in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Brazil is at the top of MMA again. This Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Mackenzie dern made history in UFC 321In the co-main event, the athlete won. Virna jandiroba by unanimous decision and won the vacant strawweight belt (up to 52,2 kg). In this way, the jiu-jitsu specialist became the fourth Brazilian champion in the history of the sport's largest organization.
Now, Mackenzie joins the select group made up of Amanda nunes, Chris Cyborg e Jessica Andrade. Furthermore, the fighter became the first woman to be crowned world champion in both ADCC and UFC jiu-jitsu. Therefore, Dern equaled the historic feat of Fabricio Werdum, who performed the feat in 2015.
As expected, the Brazilian was in tears, made a point of thanking her team for their support, and handed the belt to her daughter. This was Mackenzie's third consecutive victory, demonstrating that even without the dominant Zhang Weili, the strawweight division is well served by the change at the top.
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Mackenzie made history
Jiu-jitsu experts, the fighters began the match exchanging kicks and punches. Gradually, Dern gained the upper hand in the exchanges. Virna attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful. On her second attempt, Virna took Dern down but couldn't control her. Standing, Dern continued to land the most powerful strikes. Without hesitation, Virna took Dern down again. Comfortable in the clinch, Virna finished the round with a smile on her face.
In the second round, Dern adopted a more aggressive stance on the feet. However, Virna also landed targeted strikes, such as an overhand. Aware of the veteran's strategy, Dern defended a takedown attempt. However, Jandiroba didn't give up and took Dern down immediately, but she couldn't control her. Standing, Dern landed a powerful right hand on Virna, who laughed. Virna then took Dern down. Even from the bottom, Dern attacked Virna with punches. From the top, Virna also struck her opponent. Standing, the athlete landed a clean punch on Dern.
In the third round, Dern threatened with punches and kicks. Virna took advantage and took Dern down, but again, she couldn't control her. In the exchange, the veteran surprised her opponent with punches. Quicker, Dern was once again more effective on the feet and defended against a takedown attempt from Virna. Undeterred, Virna managed to take Dern down, but she had to work hard. From the bottom, Dern was active and landed elbows on Virna.
In the fourth round, the athletes engaged each other with punches. Dern went for the takedown, but Virna defended. In the exchange, the athletes didn't slow down. Virna landed good punches to Dern's face. In turn, Dern pushed her away with kicks. Showing strength, Virna took Dern down but chose not to go to the ground. Dern then landed a beautiful takedown on Virna and controlled her on the ground.
In the fifth round, Virna punched Dern in the face. In response, Dern did the same. Determined to take the fight to the ground, Virna sought a takedown but was unsuccessful. In the clinch, Virna hit Dern with elbows. In the exchange, Dern showed greater physical strength, waiting for the right moment to strike. Virna took her opponent down but didn't go to the ground. Standing, the fighters gave their all in the exchange. In the end, Dern took Virna down and finished the final round on top, beating her.
UFC 321 results
MAIN CARD
Straw weight (up to 52,2 kg): MAckenzie Dern derrotou Virna jandiroba by unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov derrotou mario bautista by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov derrotou Jailton Malhadinho by split decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Aleksandar rakic derrotou Azamat Murzakanov by knockout (punch) at 3min05sec of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld derrotou Nasrat Haqparast by knockout (head kick) at 2min30sec of R1
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ikram Aliskerov derrotou Park Jun-yong by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Ludovit Klein derrotou Mateusz Rebecki by majority decision of the judges (29-28, 28-27, 28-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady x Matheus Camilo – fight canceled
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Walter Walker derrotou Louie Sutherland by submission (Heel hook) at 1min23sec of R1
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Nathaniel Wood derrotou Jose Miguel Delgado by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Hamdy Abdelwahab derrotou Chris Barnett by unanimous decision of the judges (29-26, 29-27, 29-27)
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Mitch Raposo derrotou Azat Maksum by unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
Straw weight (up to 52,2 kg): Mizuki Inoue derrotou Jacqueline Amorim by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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