Experience Meets Youth in a High-Stakes Strawweight Showdown
Virna Jandiroba, or "Carcara," will face Mackenzie Dern on October 25th and will be coming off a five-fight win streak. Both fighters are almost the same in weight, reach, and height. "Carcara" has even had all decision fights weighted in her favor over the past five fights. One of these ended in a submission via armbar against Amanda Lemos. This submission could put Dern on notice, considering that Dern is a World Jiu-Jitsu Championship gold holder. It should be noted that since they last fought in 2020, Jandiroba has considerably improved her takedown defense. This skill will come in handy, especially midway through the fight, should Dern attempt a takedown. However, it is more likely that the fight will continue due to the nature of the two fighters' past encounters.
Together, the fighters tend to average two and a half rounds until they either secure a win or a submission. Jandiroba will have to face Dern's capacity to continually dish out strikes as Dern lands more on average per minute. The age advantage that Dern holds over Jandiroba could be the reason, but Jandiroba has an abundance of experience over Dern. This age advantage is also being seen at other divisions, such as the flyweight fights between Jasmine Jasudavicius and Manon Fiorot. Janiroba has accumulated a record of 22-3-0 versus Dern's 15-5-0 record. The height advantage is really nonexistent here, though, as they're only within one inch of each other, with Dern being the taller of the two fighters.
Overall, Janiroba will be able to mitigate the damage well, considering her defense held up in her fight against Lemos. The motivation for Dern will ultimately be securing the win and claiming the strawweight championship for herself. She is currently ranked number seven in this division. Holding the title would also mean that Dern's victory in 2020 demonstrated not just skill but also an accurate reading of Janiroba's concrete defense, both standing and on the ground. Janiroba will fight for the title too, obviously, but if she decides to commit to a takedown, it could land her in hot water as Dern is sure to anticipate it from her opponent. The final decision and outcome of this fight at UFC 321 will be one to remember!
