Key Highlights
- UFC analyst Din Thomas criticizes the upcoming Strawweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern as “insignificant.”
- The winner will likely face Zhang Weili for a unified title in the future.
- Mackenzie Dern is favored to win but has struggled with takedowns according to Thomas.
- The fight carries significant implications, including potential unification bouts and Dern’s first title opportunity.
Analyst Criticizes UFC 321 Co-Main Event Title Fight
In a recent podcast interview with Anthony Smith on the “On Paper” podcast, UFC analyst Din Thomas expressed his dissatisfaction with the upcoming co-main event title fight at UFC 321. The event is set to take place this Saturday (October 25, 2025) in Abu Dhabi, featuring a Strawweight championship bout between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern.
Thomas believes that the significance of the title fight has been overshadowed by the fact that former champion Zhang Weili vacated her belt to pursue another division. “I’m trying to be as respectful, but has there ever been a more insignificant title fight in the history – not, maybe, in the history, but in the last recent memory?” Thomas stated during his critique.
Reasons for Analyst’s Criticism
The criticism is rooted in several factors. Firstly, Zhang Weili voluntarily vacated her belt to chase a second title in another division, which has left the Strawweight championship somewhat vacant and unchallenging. Secondly, Mackenzie Dern’s recent form has been questioned by critics who argue that she secured a title shot despite being 2-2 in her last four fights. Despite these concerns, Thomas acknowledges Dern’s potential and attributes her success to her natural aptitude for combat.
“She punches as hard as anybody in the division, she grapples as well as anybody in the division, she’s got gas for days, she doesn’t get tired… It’s just sometimes, she doesn’t seem like she even cares about fighting,” Thomas explained. “She’s really good on the ground, she’s very athletic, and she’s born for this.”
Implications of the Fight
While the title fight may not be as significant as some might expect, it carries substantial implications for both fighters involved. A win for Dern would make her the new UFC Strawweight champion and potentially set up a unification bout with Zhang Weili down the line. On the other hand, Jandiroba, ranked No. 1 in the division, will be looking to reclaim her title.
Thomas believes that despite the criticism surrounding Dern’s recent form, she has the skills necessary to succeed if she takes the fight seriously. “If you look at some of Mackenzie’s performances, part of me thinks that she has a little Kevin Holland thing going on where she just hasn’t reached her potential,” Thomas noted.
“I’ve spoken to her on the desk, and she was like, ‘Oh, I didn’t really know how to shoot takedowns with punches,’ and she was already a professional and didn’t know these things, and I’m thinking, how did you make it so far?” Thomas concluded. “She’s been in combat her entire life. I feel as though, if she takes it seriously, I think she should win this fight pretty handily.”
Conclusion
The upcoming UFC 321 co-main event title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern is poised to be a significant moment in the Strawweight division. While some may view it as “insignificant,” Thomas believes that Dern’s potential and natural ability could lead to an exciting and unexpected result. Regardless of the outcome, the fight sets the stage for future unification bouts and represents a critical juncture for both fighters.
