Zhang Weili Vacates UFC Strawweight Title
Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has officially vacated her title, anticipating her move to the flyweight division. The UFC has already scheduled the next fight to determine the new champion.
Virna Jandiroba will face Mackenzie Dern for the vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321, on October 25 in Abu Dhabi. UFC CEO Dana White announced this exciting matchup on Thursday.
Zhang Weili (26-3) decided to leave the division to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322, on November 15 in New York.
This title fight is a rematch of a bout that took place in December 2020. On that occasion, Dern defeated Jandiroba by unanimous decision after three rounds.
Since that encounter in 2020, Jandiroba has recorded a 6-1 record, including an active streak of five consecutive victories. Dern’s path has been more irregular, with a 5-4 record. Despite this record, Dern has shown good performance in her last two appearances, achieving victories over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
The UFC 321 event, to be held at the Etihad Arena, will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. White also announced a bantamweight clash between former title contender Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista for the same event.
