Zhang Weili Vacates UFC Strawweight Title
Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has decided to vacate her title, anticipating her move to the flyweight division. The UFC has already scheduled the next fight for the vacant belt.
Virna Jandiroba will face Mackenzie Dern for the 115-pound title at UFC 321, an event that will take place on October 25 in Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White.
Zhang Weili (26-3) is leaving the division to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322, which will take place on November 15 in New York.
This title fight is a rematch of a previous encounter in December 2020. On that occasion, Dern defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision in a three-round fight.
Since that encounter in 2020, Jandiroba has recorded a 6-1 record, including a five-fight winning streak. Dern’s path has been more variable, with a 5-4 record. Despite this history, Dern has shown a good performance in her last two fights, obtaining victories over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that the heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane will headline UFC 321 at the Etihad Arena. White also announced a bantamweight clash between former title contender Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista for the same event.
