MMA fighter Mackenzie Dern has a surprising revelation about her readiness to face Zhang Weili, a dominant force in the strawweight division. But is she selling herself short?
Dern, known for her competitive spirit, aspires to share the octagon with Zhang, but she candidly admits that the timing might not be ideal, even if Zhang hadn't moved up to flyweight. This Saturday, Dern takes on Virna Jandiroba for the vacant strawweight championship at UFC 321, a title Zhang recently vacated to challenge for the flyweight belt.
Dern's respect for Zhang's achievements is evident, and she believes that facing the multi-time champ now would be premature. She acknowledges that while she wouldn't turn down a title shot, she might not be fully prepared for Zhang at this stage of her career. However, she sees a potential title win as a transformative experience, boosting her confidence and readiness for a future encounter.
And this is where it gets intriguing: Dern suggests that a victory could accelerate her growth, making her more equipped to face Zhang in a hypothetical future matchup. She believes that the confidence and experience gained from winning the belt could make a significant difference in her abilities in just a few months.
Dern's upcoming fight is her 16th UFC appearance, and she's set to face the division's top contender, whom she defeated previously at UFC 256. While she looks forward to a potential future clash with Zhang, Dern also sees the strawweight division evolving with new talent and fresh contenders.
She believes that the division is experiencing a resurgence, with fighters gaining confidence and new matchups emerging. This growth, in her view, would make either her or Jandiroba more prepared to face Zhang if she returns to the strawweight division. Dern's focus, however, remains on the present, aiming to beat Jandiroba and win the belt.
A controversial perspective: Dern's thoughts on Zhang's potential retirement or decision to stay at flyweight reveal a pragmatic side. She acknowledges Zhang's accomplishments but doesn't dwell on the possibility of never facing her, stating that the fight world is ever-evolving. This raises the question: Is it better to focus on the present challenges or dream of future matchups?
As Dern prepares for her title fight, the MMA community is left to wonder: Will she become the new strawweight champion and prove her readiness for Zhang, or will the division's growth provide new contenders to challenge the status quo? The outcome of UFC 321 will undoubtedly shape the future of the strawweight division and the careers of these talented fighters.
