Mackenzie Dern Interested in Interim UFC title fight with Zhang Weili

24 June 2022

With UFC Strawweight champion Carla Esparza injured, Mackenzie Dern has expressed her interest in having an interim title showdown with Former UFC Champion Zhang Weili.

Dern revealed the same in her recent interview with MMA Junkie and noted that she is ready to fight whoever is in front of her for the interim title.

“If they do have an interim title I would like to be in there. Fight Zhang Weili or whoever it will be. I’m definitely interested in that. I’m ready. I’m talking with Mick (Maynard). I even sent a message to Dana (White). I’m like, ‘Hey Dana, I’m ready whoever it is, I’m ready.’ My manager Tim (Simpson) from Paradigm. A lot of names have been thrown out: Yan Xiaonan, Rose, and Zhang Weili has been thrown out in the past, so I’m not sure how serious they are about that. But definitely, I would be ready for any of those girls,” she noted in the interview with MMA Junkie.

Zhang Weili is coming off a huge win against Joanna Jędrzejczyk and has claimed her shot at the strawweight title.

“Zhang Weili continues to show she can throw crazy stuff at you and you need to be prepared. I hope to face her eventually. I think that would be a great fight. I don’t think she’s ever fought someone with my jiu-jitsu caliber, but definitely, it would be a great. We’ll see what happens,” Dern added.

ALSO READ | Carla Esparza brings Khabib style to the table, says Mackenzie Dern

Dern is currently coming off a win against Tecia Torres and is 4-1 in her last five fights with her lone loss coming against Marina Rodriguez. Interestingly, the name of Rodriguez is also in the mix when it comes to a potential title fight.

What do you think of a matchup between Dern and Weili? Let us know in the comments below.