Set to be the co-main event of the upcoming marquee MMA event, UFC 321 from Abu Dhabi, we will see a new Women’s Strawweight Champion crowned as decorated grapplers collide when Virna Jandiroba takes on Mackenzie Dern.
In a clash between two of the UFC’s top submission experts, let’s break down who’ll have the edge on the ground in their upcoming five-round showdown.
Virna Jandiroba Grappling Background
Having built herself a reputation as one of the best female grapplers in the UFC, Jandiroba has made a career off of her deadly submission game. In her 25 professional fights, Jandiroba has managed to secure 14 submission wins.
With a focus on MMA, Jandiroba has minimal experience in grappling-specific tournaments, with her most notable grappling match coming from a 2021 arm triangle choke at Submission Circus 3 against Jacyara Eloya.
Jandiroba has worked hard on her craft, earning black belts in both BJJ as well as Judo. Able to blend the two martial arts into a devastating tandem skillset, Jandiroba is capable of controlling any fight from both top or bottom position.
Mackenzie Dern Grappling Background
A highly-touted BJJ specialist, Dern is among the world’s elite in this martial art. Before beginning her MMA career, Dern built a reputation for herself at the IBJJF and ADCC Championships, winning first place finishes in the black belt division at both tournaments in 2015, as well as once more at the IBJJF World Championships in 2016.
With her success at these competitions, Dern was ranked as the number-one female BJJ black belt at one point in time.
Since transitioning to MMA, Dern has continued to utilize her sensational submission skills to her advantage, having submitted eight of her 15 professional opponents, including a notable armbar victory over Amanda Ribas in March of 2025.
Our Pick: Jandiroba to Capture UFC Gold
While Dern may have the experience and technical expertise on the ground, when it comes to MMA grappling, the edge will go to Jandiroba.
Having proven herself the more deadly fighter inside the octagon, Jandiriba has notched more submission victories in her MMA career, as well as a 72.7% win-rate in the UFC, a notch greater than Dern at 66.6%.
With this matchup set to be decided on the ground, back Jandiroba to own the mat, using her dual-threat grappling skillset to her advantage, earning her the UFC Strawweight Championship, and achieving her greatest combat sports accomplishment at UFC 321.
Jandiroba vs. Dern Odds
As we await this thrilling battle between two of the best grapplers in the game, why not place a bet on the UFC action?
Check out the latest Jandiroba vs. Dern odds from the best UFC betting sites on the market, and score your next big win at UFC 321 on October 25th.
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