Mackenzie Dern | Full Circle

Strawweight Title Challenger Talks Returning To Abu Dhabi, Representing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In The UFC

There are a lot of elements coming together to give Mackenzie Dern a great deal of confidence and excitement heading into her clash with Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight title this weekend at UFC 321.

For starters, the multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion has fond memories of competing in the host city, as one of her most notable career victories on the mats came in Abu Dhabi.

“Fighting in Abu Dhabi is so amazing for me because now, ten years later, I'll be fighting October 25th, 2025, for the belt in the UFC,” began Dern, explaining her excitement about competing at…