At UFC 321, Mackenzie Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision to capture the vacant UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. The victory capped a remarkable comeback for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom, who rebounded from prior setbacks to Amanda Lemos and Jéssica Andrade to finally secure her first UFC title. Showing improved striking defense, much sharper jiu-jitsu transitions, and better cardio over five rounds, Dern proved she has evolved into a complete fighter capable of championship-level composure.

Her first title defense should come against Tatiana Suarez. Suarez, the dominant wrestler and former Ultimate Fighter winner, is ranked No. 1 in the division and recently earned a unanimous decision over Amanda Lemos in September 2025. Despite losing her first career bout to Zhang Weili earlier in the year, Suarez’s elite takedowns, control time, and smothering top pressure make her the toughest stylistic test for Dern’s grappling-based approach. A Dern–Suarez fight would pit world-class jiu-jitsu against Olympic-caliber wrestling, the clear No. 1 matchup to determine the undisputed best strawweight in the world.

Stylistically, the matchup offers one of the most intriguing contrasts possible in women’s MMA. Dern’s submission creativity and guard game remain unmatched in the division, while Suarez’s chain wrestling and top control could neutralize those strengths. Both fighters possess relentless pressure and physicality, setting up a high-level ground battle that would likely come down to positional dominance and cardio.

Last Five Fights – Mackenzie Dern:

1. Win over Virna Jandiroba – Decision (unanimous), UFC 321 (October 25, 2025)
2. Win over Amanda Ribas – Submission (armbar), UFC Fight Night (January 11, 2025)
3. Win over Loopy Godinez – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ABC 7 (August 3, 2024)
4. Loss to Amanda Lemos – Decision (unanimous), UFC 298 (February 17, 2024)
5. Loss to Jéssica Andrade – TKO (punches), UFC 295 (November 11, 2023)

Last Five Fights – Tatiana Suarez:

1. Win over Amanda Lemos – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (September 13, 2025)
2. Loss to Zhang Weili – Decision (unanimous), UFC 312 (February 9, 2025)
3. Win over Jéssica Andrade – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC on ESPN (August 5, 2023)
4. Win over Montana De La Rosa – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC Fight Night (February 25, 2023)
5. Win over Nina Ansaroff – Decision (unanimous), UFC 238 (June 8, 2019)