Ali Akbar Rosady
UFC Strawweight Champion Mackenzie Dern has publicly expressed her ambition to face former titleholder Zhang Weili, a bout she believes is essential to unequivocally establish her legitimacy as the division’s premier fighter. Despite holding the undisputed strawweight championship, Dern acknowledges the persistent narrative surrounding her reign, particularly given Zhang’s formidable history in the 115-pound category.
Dern’s path to the championship culminated at UFC 321, where she secured a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba in a vacant championship bout. This opportunity arose after Zhang Weili relinquished the strawweight title in October, following an unsuccessful attempt to ascend to the flyweight division and challenge then-champion Valentina Shevchenko. Zhang’s venture into the flyweight division saw her defeated by Shevchenko, a result that has fueled speculation about her potential return to the strawweight ranks where she previously dominated.
For Dern, a confrontation with Zhang represents more than just a title defense; it is an opportunity to silence any lingering doubts about her championship status. "There are a few girls I think that maybe could come out depending on their fights, that have fights scheduled, but I think Weili’s a really, really strong competitor," Dern stated in an interview with MMA Junkie. She further elaborated on the public’s desire for the matchup, adding, "I don’t feel like I need to, but I feel like the fans really want to see it." While acknowledging Zhang’s illustrious career—"If [Zhang] wanted to retire today, she could, because she’s accomplished so much"—Dern emphasized the personal gratification such a victory would bring. "But definitely it will be very fulfilling to be able to be able to beat her and just kind of solidify to anyone who had a doubt that I’m the real champion and I didn’t just get it easy," she asserted.
Zhang Weili’s record at 115 pounds is arguably unparalleled, cementing her status alongside luminaries like Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas as one of the greatest fighters to compete in the division. Across two separate reigns, Zhang successfully defended her title on four occasions, defeating a roster of elite opponents including Jedrzejczyk, Carla Esparza, Jessica Andrade, and Tatiana Suarez. Her dominant performances and formidable striking prowess have established her as a perennial force, a reputation reflected in current future odds where she is listed as high as a -500 favorite against Dern, according to Fight Odds. Her potential return to strawweight is therefore viewed as a significant event, capable of reshaping the division’s landscape.
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Dern’s ascension to the championship has brought with it increased public attention and demands outside of the octagon. This new reality, while a testament to her success, presents its own set of challenges regarding fight preparation. "My life’s changed completely," Dern remarked. "I’ve been doing so much stuff. It’s really true that thing where they say it’s hard to keep training when you’re doing so many different things, so the goal right now is just try and get my training on point, make sure I can defend my belt as long as possible because pretty soon we have a fight coming up." This candid admission highlights the unique pressures faced by champions navigating both athletic demands and burgeoning celebrity.
With a professional record of 16-5, Dern’s career has been characterized by consistent activity and a willingness to face top-tier competition. Since 2019, she has maintained a schedule of at least two fights per year, often against ranked opponents, demonstrating a clear commitment to staying within the title picture. This consistent engagement, despite a record that may not "scream dominant champion" on paper, underscores her resilience and evolution as a fighter.
Early indications suggest that a highly anticipated clash between Dern and Zhang Weili could materialize in the first half of 2026. "We’ve been talking a little bit," Dern confirmed, "I’m thinking probably around May, June, around then." This timeline allows for both fighters to prepare adequately for a contest that carries immense implications for the strawweight division’s hierarchy.
Beyond the strawweight title picture, the mixed martial arts world continues to generate significant discussion and event anticipation. Alexander Volkanovski is slated for a rematch against Diego Lopes this Saturday, prompting extensive analysis from pundits, including a recent roundtable discussion questioning the strategic implications of the repeat matchup for Volkanovski. Elsewhere, Volkanovski addressed Arman Tsarukyan’s challenge for a featherweight championship fight, indicating the fluidity of potential cross-divisional matchups.
The broader MMA landscape also saw commentary from prominent figures, with one-time WCW boss Eric Bischoff publicly urging UFC President Dana White to consider a fight between Colby Covington and Bo Nickal. In terms of fight predictions, former champion T.J. Dillashaw voiced confidence in Khamzat Chimaev’s ability to "run through" Alex Pereira at light heavyweight. Rafael Fiziev, meanwhile, expressed concern regarding Justin Gaethje’s fitness following his UFC 324 win and cautioned against a potential bout between Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, suggesting it could end "veeeeeerrrrrry badly" for Gaethje. These ongoing discussions illustrate the dynamic and speculative nature of fight fan and expert discourse.
The comprehensive coverage of the sport extends to various multimedia platforms, with live broadcasts such as "Between the Links" providing real-time analysis, and interviews like Mike Heck’s conversation with Eric Bischoff offering deeper insights. Traditional aspects of fight week, including weigh-ins and embedded series, continue to build anticipation for events like UFC 325. Podcasts, including those hosted by UFC Hall of Famers, contribute to the diverse array of content available to fans. Betting analyses, such as "No Bets Barred," offer detailed breakdowns for upcoming fight cards, including the UFC 325 event, providing expert picks and predictions. Social media platforms serve as a hub for real-time reactions, definitive fight week schedules, and fan engagement, showcasing the vibrant online community surrounding the sport.
In terms of recently announced bouts, several key matchups are slated across various promotions:
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas (wrestling); RAF 6, Feb. 28
- Patchy Mix (20-3) vs. Kyoma Akimoto (11-1); RIZIN 52, March 7
- Vitor Petrino (13-2) vs. Steven Asplund (7-1); UFC Vegas 114, March 14
- Guilherme Pat (6-0) vs. Thomas Petersen (10-4); UFC Vegas 115, April 4
- Cub Swanson (30-14) vs. Nate Landwehr (18-7); UFC 327, April 11
The prospect of Zhang Weili’s return to the strawweight division remains a compelling narrative. While her previous departure was attributed to a desire for new challenges at 115 pounds, the current situation presents a unique opportunity for her to reaffirm her dominance and settle any questions about the division’s true best. The potential clash with Mackenzie Dern is poised to be one of the most significant matchups in the strawweight division’s history, promising a high-stakes encounter to determine undisputed supremacy.
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