On Saturday, we gets loaded UFC 321 card from Abu Dhabi that promises to deliver championship drama, especially in the strawweight title bout serving as the co-main event, as Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialists Virna Jandiroba takes on Mackenzie Dern battle for vacant belt.
Before the spotlight shines on the main event showdown between heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, the strawweight clash between Jandiroba and Dern carries massive implications — the winner will be crowned the new 115-pound champion after Zhang Weili vacated the title to move up to flyweight.
We'll break down our Jandiroba vs. Dern prediction and expert pick for UFC 321 below, including PrizePicks UFC picks for this high-stakes heavyweight battle.
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern Preview for UFC 321
Virna Jandiroba (22-3) has been on an impressive five-fight winning streak, establishing herself as the top contender for strawweight gold. However, she'll be looking to finally avenge her loss to Mackenzie Dern, a decision defeat that came almost five years ago in December 2020.
In contrast, Mackenzie Dern (15-5) has had a mixed run recently, splitting her last eight bouts with wins over Tecia Pennnginton, Angela Hill, Loopy Godinez, and Amanda Ribas. She enters this championship rematch as the favorite despite Jandiroba's current hot streak, largely due to her previous victory over the Brazilian contender.
Dern has sharpened her striking arsenal since their first meeting and can pressure Jandiroba against the cage with accurate combinations. Jandiroba, meanwhile, utilizes her striking to set up devastating takedowns, averaging 2.37 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 33% success rate.
We could see a versatile battle between these two submission specialists in Abu Dhabi.
Jandiroba vs. Dern Stats, Start Time
Who doesn’t love an early fight card? UFC 321 is set for an early start time in the U.S., with Jandiroba vs. Dern in the strawweight title fight co-main event on the main card.
How to Watch Jandiroba vs. Dern at UFC 321
- Date: Saturday October 25, 2025
- Time: Main Card - 2 p.m. ET | Volkov vs. Almeida Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (estimate)
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- TV: ESPN+ PPV
Virna Jandiroba Stats
Overall Record: 22-3
UFC Record: 8-3
Last 5 Fights: 5-0
Height: 5'3"
Reach: 64”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 1.97
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 2.37
Last Fight: Win vs. Xiaonan Yan by Decision
Finishes: 15 (1 KO/TKO/14 SUB)
Mackenzie Dern Stats
Overall Record: 15-5
UFC Record: 10-5
Last 5 Fights: 3-2
Height: 5'4"
Reach: 63”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.31
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.89
Last Fight: Win vs. Amanda Ribas by Submission in round 3
Finishes: 8 (8 SUB)
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern Prediction, UFC 321 Pick
Virna Jandiroba will look to capture the vacant strawweight title in her rematch with Mackenzie Dern this Saturday inat UFC 321. She certainly has had some impressive results since the two first fought in December 2020, winning five straight bouts to earn her another shot at gold.
For as explosive as Jandiroba is in her grappling exchanges, she's deceptively methodical with her striking. This has allowed her to dictate where the fight takes place and control the pace of the fight.
As for Dern, she has proven to be a complete MMA fighter during her time in the UFC, showcasing improved striking in recent performances. She has split her last eight fights but returned to the win column with an impressive rematch victory over Amanda Ribas earlier this year.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion in Dern truly embraces her well-rounded approach. She utilizes great footwork, precise striking combinations, and submission opportunities for a 5'4", 115-pound strawweight.
UFC 321 Prediction: Jandiroba vs. Dern – 105.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- Jandiroba averages 1.97 significant strikes per minute.
- Dern averages 3.31 significant strikes per minute.
- The last time these two fought, they combined for 145 significant strikes landed in a 15-minute fight.
Make UFC 321 Picks on PrizePicks
UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane will be broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this Saturday, October 24.
The UFC 321 co-main event is a strawweight title fight between two top-ranked challengers, Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern.
This UFC 321 fight card features some championship-level fighters who want to make a statement. With a fight like Virna vs. Derna, serving as a title fight co-main event makes this PPV fight card one of the best of the year.
You can win real money by locking in your UFC 321 predictions on PrizePicks — from the first fight of the night all the way to the light heavyweight main event.
Just go to the PrizePicks MMA board, pick two or more UFC fighter projections, lock in your Lineup, and cash in if your picks are on point.
