Zhang Weili Vacates UFC Strawweight Title
Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili has relinquished 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 vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321, on October 25 in Abu Dhabi. This was announced by UFC CEO Dana White.
Zhang Weili (26-3) made the decision to leave the division to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322, on November 15 in New York.
The title fight represents 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 achieved a 6-1 record, including an active streak of five consecutive victories. Dern’s path has been more variable, with a 5-4 record. Despite this, Dern has shown good performance in her last two performances, obtaining victories over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Ribas.
The UFC 321 event, which will take place at the Etihad Arena, will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall (15-3) and Ciryl Gane (13-2). In addition, a bantamweight clash between former title contender Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) and Mario Bautista (16-2) was announced.
