Virna Jandiroba just 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 may rating the last word redemption at UFC 321 on October 25 when she faces Dern for the undisputed strawweight world championship.
For the reason that loss to Dern, Jandiroba has put collectively a stable 6-1 file, 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 so much in these final 5 years,” Jandiroba advised MMA Junkie. “I invested a number of time into realizing myself higher and bettering not simply as an athlete however as an individual. Immediately, 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 realized to be kinder to myself, and I feel 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 undoubtedly advanced,” Jandiroba continued. “You’ll be able to clearly see enhancements in her putting and her wrestling — areas that have been at all times questioned earlier than. She’s a significantly better MMA fighter than she was 5 years in the past, and she or he shouldn’t be too arduous on herself.”
Whereas Dern has discovered the identical success as Jandiroba in recent times, she sits because the odds-on favourite to go away Abu Dhabi with the 115-pound crown on Saturday night time.
