Virna Jandiroba is just not the identical fighter who confronted Mackenzie Dern 5 years in the past.
After surrendering a unanimous choice 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 choice W in opposition to Yan Xiaonan.
“I’ve modified quite a bit in these final 5 years,” Jandiroba advised MMA Junkie. “I invested lots of time into realizing myself higher and enhancing not simply as an athlete however as an individual. Right this moment, I really feel like a distinct lady — extra conscious, extra balanced, and that naturally made me a greater fighter. The technical enhancements are clear, however crucial transformation was psychological. I realized 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 developed,” Jandiroba continued. “You’ll be able to clearly see enhancements in her putting 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 arduous on herself.”
Whereas Dern has discovered the identical success as Jandiroba lately, she sits because the odds-on favourite to depart Abu Dhabi with the 115-pound crown on Saturday night time.
