Mackenzie Dern Makes History as First UFC Female Champion in Abu Dhabi
Mackenzie Dern created history by becoming the first woman to win a UFC championship in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. The Brazilian-American fighter defeated compatriot Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321’s Etihad Arena through unanimous decision to claim the strawweight title and succeed Zhang Weili as champion. Her face showed the marks of an intense five-round battle with cuts and bruises that barely suggested she emerged victorious.
This victory marks a defining moment in Mackenzie Lynne Dern’s MMA record and showcases her remarkable rise as a fighter. She started as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert and developed a complete skillset that led to this championship. Her historic achievement shared the spotlight with controversy when the heavyweight title bout between champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended as a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke in the first round [-2]. Fans have already started speculating about Mackenzie Dern’s next fight.
Mackenzie Dern wins UFC strawweight title in Abu Dhabi
Image Source: ESPN
“I’m proud of my journey, and I think that’s what’s going to make me a great champion, is the adversity that I went through.” — Mackenzie Dern, UFC Strawweight Fighter, former BJJ World Champion
**Mackenzie Lynne Dern** captured the vacant UFC strawweight championship by defeating Virna Jandiroba in a grueling co-main event at UFC 321. The judges unanimously favored Dern with scorecards of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. Both fighters demonstrated their evolving skills during the 25-minute battle that turned into a striking showcase.
Jandiroba landed nine takedowns but couldn’t generate much offense from the top position. Dern stayed busy from her back and landed more influential strikes during the standup exchanges. Her jab worked exceptionally well and caused visible swelling under Jandiroba’s right eye.
“It feels amazing. I can’t believe this happened,” Dern said through tears. “It wasn’t the fight I expected, I thought it was going to be a little easier”.
This victory holds extra meaning because it coincides with the tenth anniversary of Dern’s greatest Brazilian jiu-jitsu achievement in Abu Dhabi. Her third straight win shows an impressive comeback after facing back-to-back losses for the first time in her MMA career.
The moment became even more special when Dern’s six-year-old daughter stepped into the octagon. “My daughter thinks I’m a super hero,” Dern shared. “She tells kids around the pool ‘Do you know my mum is a UFC fighter?’ She thinks it’s really cool”.
UFC 321 delivers drama with no-contest and standout performances
Image Source: MMA Fighting
UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi delivered intense drama beyond Mackenzie Dern’s historic title win. The most important heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in disappointment. An accidental eye poke at 4:35 of the first round left Aspinall unable to continue, resulting in a no-contest. The champion kept his title but voiced his frustration: “What am I supposed to do about it? I can’t see”.
Alexander Volkov edged out Jailton Almeida in a grappling-heavy contest on the main card, winning a split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) that could determine the next heavyweight title challenger. Umar Nurmagomedov controlled Mario Bautista throughout their bout to secure a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). He later revealed that his cousin Khabib had warned him about the error that led to his second-round knockdown.
The preliminary card produced several unforgettable moments, with four fighters earning AED 183597.02 bonuses. Valter Walker made UFC history by securing his fourth straight heel hook submission. The night saw one of 2025’s most spectacular knockouts when Quillan Salkilld landed a devastating head kick that knocked Nasrat Haqparast unconscious. Ludovit Klein and Mateusz Rebecki’s bloody three-round war earned them Fight of the Night honors. Klein claimed a majority decision victory despite breaking his ankle in the final round.
How Mackenzie Dern evolved into a complete MMA fighter
Image Source: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grappling Academy
“The UFC fans, they love you then hate you then love you again, so it’s a lot like a roller coaster ride.” — Mackenzie Dern, UFC Strawweight Fighter, former BJJ World Champion
Mackenzie Lynne Dern, the daughter of prominent Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Wellington “Megaton” Dias, started her martial arts trip at just three years old. She began her path from BJJ royalty to MMA contender in 2016, showing major gaps in her striking and takedown abilities at first.
“I’m not coming here just as a jiu-jitsu fighter,” Dern stated early in her UFC career. “I’m excited for people to see me evolve and grow as a fighter”. Her progress picked up speed after her daughter’s birth in 2019, which acted as a complete “reset” for her body composition and metabolism.
Dern teamed up with conditioning coach Rogerio Camoes, who previously trained Anderson Silva. His guidance helped her add 11 pounds of muscle while she managed to keep her weight, dropping her body fat percentage from 22% to 11%. These changes solved the weight management problems that affected her early career.
Dern found an unexpected source for her mental growth – poker. “Poker has helped me control my emotions. I’m very impulsive, but in poker, you have to learn patience—folding, reading people, waiting for the right moment”.
Her MMA record now showcases this complete transformation. Critics once pointed out her tendency to “accept takedowns,” but Dern learned to balance her ground expertise with improved striking skills. She emerged as the championship-caliber fighter seen at UFC 321.
Mackenzie Dern’s historic win at UFC 321 marks a defining moment for women’s MMA in the Middle East. Her path from BJJ specialist to UFC champion shows what it takes to succeed at mixed martial arts’ highest levels. Dern overcame major setbacks, including back-to-back losses and the demands of balancing motherhood with fighting. These challenges shaped her into the resilient champion who emerged victorious in Abu Dhabi.
Her unanimous decision win over Virna Jandiroba means more than just claiming the title. The fans saw years of hard work pay off as she showed her complete skillset, especially her improved striking game. The victory became even more special because it happened exactly ten years after her major BJJ achievement in the same venue. This created a perfect full-circle moment in her martial arts career.
Dern’s title celebration with her six-year-old daughter became one of the night’s most heartfelt moments. This personal touch struck a chord with many fans and highlighted the human stories that surpass the physical battles inside the octagon.
UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi will be remembered for more than Dern’s groundbreaking win. The controversial no-contest between Aspinall and Gane in the heavyweight title fight, Valter Walker’s fourth straight heel hook submission, and Klein’s brave victory despite a broken ankle made this event unforgettable.
Mackenzie Dern has become a pioneer for women’s MMA in the region. Her development from BJJ prodigy to UFC champion proves her commitment, adaptability, and mental strength. This championship victory, earned through grit and determination, establishes her legacy as a trailblazer whose influence reaches way beyond the octagon.
