Mackenzie Dern has no plans to take time off after her title-winning performance at UFC 321.
BJJ’s incredible attack finally broke through, defeating Vilna Jandilova by unanimous decision to win the vacant strawweight world title in Abu Dhabi.
There’s no question that this was the biggest win of Dern’s career, but she’s not going to sit back and enjoy it for long.
“I’m a little sore, but I feel great,” Dern said in his UFC 321 post-fight interview. “You know, I think we gave it our all. We really gave it our all to win the game. It’s like a dream come true, but every time I accomplish a goal, I always set a new goal. So I’m already thinking about getting back in the gym and getting better. I know I have a big goal on my back right now, so I want to make sure I’m ready for whatever happens next.”
It remains to be seen what Dern will do next, but she welcomes all challengers, including former two-time champion Zhang Weili and No. 2 in the division, Tatiana Suarez.
“I don’t know how much say I have now that I’m champion,” Dern said. “I don’t know how much of an impact my words and decisions will have. But I’m here to protect it, so whoever is sent to me, I’ll be ready. I don’t know if (Zhang) Weili will (come back) or not, but I definitely want to fight Tatiana (Suarez). Maybe she can get one more fight. I’d like to have a couple more fights with the grappler.”
Zhang is currently scheduled to face current flyweight titleholder Valentina Shevchenko on November 15th, and while Suarez seems the logical choice, we won’t know until next year who will be Dern’s first choice.