Virna Jandiroba isn’t the identical fighter who confronted Mackenzie Dern 5 years in the past.
After surrendering a unanimous resolution to the BJJ bombshell again in December 2020, Jandiroba might rating the final word redemption at UFC 321 on October 25 when she faces Dern for the undisputed strawweight world championship.
Because the loss to Dern, Jandiroba has put collectively a stable 6-1 document, and goes into her first UFC title alternative driving a five-fight win streak, together with a second-round submission victory over Amanda Lemos and a decisive resolution W in opposition to Yan Xiaonan.
“I’ve modified lots in these final 5 years,” Jandiroba instructed MMA Junkie. “I invested a variety of time into figuring out myself higher and bettering not simply as an athlete however as an individual. Right now, I really feel like a unique lady — extra conscious, extra balanced, and that naturally made me a greater fighter. The technical enhancements are clear, however a very powerful transformation was psychological. I discovered to be kinder to myself, and I believe most individuals would enhance their high quality of life in the event that they did the identical.”
Virna Jandiroba commends Dern’s evolution over final half-decade
Jandiroba additionally acknowledged that her opponent has considerably improved since their inaugural assembly.
“As a fighter, Mackenzie has positively advanced,” Jandiroba continued. “You’ll be able to clearly see enhancements in her placing and her wrestling — areas that had been all the time questioned earlier than. She’s a a lot better MMA fighter than she was 5 years in the past, and he or she shouldn’t be too laborious on herself.”
Whereas Dern has discovered the identical success as Jandiroba lately, she sits as the odds-on favorite to go away Abu Dhabi with the 115-pound crown on Saturday night time.
