UFC 321 · Oct 25, 2025 · Women's Strawweight · Completed
Age 38
Height 5' 3"
Reach 64.0"
Weight 115 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Age 33
Height 5' 4"
Reach 63.0"
Weight 115 lbs.
Stance Orthodox
Career Averages - Virna Jandiroba
2.27 SLpM
41.0% Str. Acc.
2.86 SApM
55.0% Str. Def.
3.13 TD Avg
39.0% TD Acc.
72.0% TD Def.
1.4 Sub. Avg
Career Averages - Mackenzie Dern
3.47 SLpM
41.0% Str. Acc.
3.93 SApM
51.0% Str. Def.
0.93 TD Avg
18.0% TD Acc.
37.0% TD Def.
1.1 Sub. Avg
Virna Jandiroba
Moneyline
Caesars +122
KO/TKO
FanDuel +2200
Submission
BetRivers +510
Decision
BetWay +300
Mackenzie Dern
Moneyline
FanDuel -134
KO/TKO
FanDuel +950
Submission
FanDuel +320
Decision
BetMGM +250
Virna Jandiroba - Fight History
WIN vs Tabatha Ricci
Decision R3 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan · Apr 04, 2026
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 26 of 64 40% 122 of 174 6 of 12 50% 0 0 8:00
Tabatha Ricci 0 37 of 82 45% 89 of 144 1 of 2 50% 0 1 1:03
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 3 of 10 30% 26 of 34 3 of 6 50% 0 0 3:00
Tabatha Ricci 0 7 of 13 53% 9 of 16 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 9 of 16 56% 61 of 79 2 of 2 100% 0 0 3:33
Tabatha Ricci 0 6 of 14 42% 50 of 62 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:16
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 38 36% 35 of 61 1 of 4 25% 0 0 1:27
Tabatha Ricci 0 24 of 55 43% 30 of 66 1 of 1 100% 0 1 0:47
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 26 of 64 40% 19 of 56 7 of 8 0 of 0 24 of 60 1 of 3 1 of 1
Tabatha Ricci 37 of 82 45% 27 of 68 5 of 7 5 of 7 33 of 77 4 of 5 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 3 of 10 30% 3 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0
Tabatha Ricci 7 of 13 53% 5 of 11 1 of 1 1 of 1 7 of 13 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Virna Jandiroba 9 of 16 56% 8 of 15 1 of 1 0 of 0 7 of 13 1 of 2 1 of 1
Tabatha Ricci 6 of 14 42% 3 of 10 1 of 1 2 of 3 4 of 12 2 of 2 0 of 0
3 Virna Jandiroba 14 of 38 36% 8 of 31 6 of 7 0 of 0 14 of 37 0 of 1 0 of 0
Tabatha Ricci 24 of 55 43% 19 of 47 3 of 5 2 of 3 22 of 52 2 of 3 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Mar 29, 2026 (6 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba, believing she is the better wrestler and can control the fight. He criticizes Tabatha Ricci's striking, saying she thinks she's a boxer but isn't, and her takedowns are poor. He notes Jandiroba is one judge away from being champion and expects her to grind out a win. He placed a half-unit bet on Jandiroba at +115.

Angelo says 'I threw a half a unit on Verna at plus 115.'
"Vera's going to get all the takedowns, have all the control time."
BI
Big Brady Expert
Mar 30, 2026 (5 days before fight) Hesitant Tabatha Ricci

Big Brady leans toward Tabatha Ricci but with low confidence. He acknowledges Jandiroba is a higher-level grappler but thinks Ricci is stronger, has better wrestling, and is the better striker. He sees a path where Ricci stuffs takedowns and wins on the feet. He also notes Jandiroba's age (37) and potential lack of motivation after a title loss. He will not bet this fight.

No bet
"I'm leaning Ricci here. Not with a ton of confidence cuz Verna is a tricky tricky fighter to pick and bet against. I will not be betting this fight."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Apr 2, 2026 (2 days before fight) Confident Tabatha Ricci

Cody picks Ricci because she is the better striker and has excellent takedown defense, making it hard for Jandiroba to hold her down. He believes the judges will favor damage over control time, and Ricci's striking will leave a lasting impression.

"Rei just maybe lands a few more damaging blows. Reachi's last fight with Hebas, you saw those elbows from the clinch, big shots against the cage. That's probably what's going to be the lasting impression on the judg's minds."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Apr 2, 2026 (2 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Connor also picks Jandiroba, agreeing that Ricci's style of fighting forward and trying to grapple will be a problem against a superior grappler. He notes that Jandiroba is a spiritual successor to Damien Maia, always looking to turn striking into takedowns. Connor points out that Ricci hasn't shown the ability to make adjustments against elite fighters and relies too much on physicality, which won't be enough here.

"I also just don't think Ricci will avoid going for her own ground."
DI
Diary of a Pro Gambler Expert
Apr 4, 2026 (fight day) No clear pick

The host is torn on the winner, seeing strong cases for both. He initially leaned Ricci due to youth and volume, but after research, he sees Jandiroba's power and ground advantage as significant. He concludes the fight is too close to bet pre-fight and prefers live betting. However, he does bet Ricci +3.5 on the fight spread.

Bet on Tabatha Ricci +3.5 (fight spread).
"I do like Richie plus 3.5 just because I think with how much Janderroa slows down and the pace at which Richie fights at, I think no matter what happens, Richie will make Jander Robba work very hard."
LU
Lucrative James Expert 2 video updates
Latest Apr 1, 2026 (3 days before fight) No clear pick

James mentions the co-main event but does not give a pick for either fighter. He only describes the matchup as interesting.

"We have a co-main event that doesn't light your hair on fire, but it's probably going to be a interesting match-up at least."
Mar 30, 2026 (5 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

James leans toward Virna Jandiroba as the underdog, surprised by the odds given Jandiroba's recent title fight and superior grappling. He believes Jandiroba's top control and submission threat are the best in the division, and that Ricci hasn't faced such a test. He notes Ricci's striking advantage but doubts her power, calling her knockout of Amanda Ribas a fluke. However, he hesitates due to Jandiroba's age (37) and potential post-title-fight letdown, and mentions he might bet the over instead. He picks Jandiroba via decision but is not confident enough to bet.

Considering over 2.5 rounds; no bet placed
"I have to pick Vera for that reason. I don't know if I'm going to bet her though honestly, boys."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Mar 31, 2026 (4 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

The host believes Jandiroba's grappling will be too much for Ricci, as she can get takedowns and keep Ricci in defensive positions. He notes Ricci's improved striking but doubts she can provide enough danger to keep Jandiroba from her game. He expects Jandiroba to win by decision, controlling the fight with top pressure.

"I think Janji Doba is a good enough grappler that she'll be able to keep Reachi in defensive positions for the most part... I like Jangidoba here."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Apr 2, 2026 (2 days before fight) Lean Tabatha Ricci

Paul leans towards Ricci, noting that Jandiroba's grappling-heavy style may not score well if judges prioritize damage. He acknowledges Jandiroba's takedown ability but thinks Ricci's striking and ability to get back up will be key.

"I don't know. It's basically a pick them and it's going to be a fight for who can get top control and really nobody's been getting top control and and and being able to win that type of fight against Reachi. Um, and if it stays on the feet, I …"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Apr 4, 2026 (fight day) Confident Tabatha Ricci

The MMA Guru picks Tabatha Ricci, predicting a controversial decision win. He believes Ricci will be out-grappled but the judges will favor her, possibly setting up a future fight with Mackenzie Dern. He notes Jandiroba looked bad against Dern and that Ricci is coming off a TKO win.

Controversial decision predicted
"I'm going to go with Tabatha Ricci, man. I can see this being a weird scorecard, 29-28. They give it a win."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Apr 2, 2026 (2 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Zane picks Jandiroba, comparing her to Damien Maia as a grappler who knows how to wrestle up and has developed good enough boxing to supplement her grappling. He notes that Ricci is aggressive and fights on the front foot, but is too small to have a dominant top game. Zane believes Ricci's physicality won't be enough against Jandiroba's superior grappling and that Ricci's willingness to engage in the clinch will play into Jandiroba's hands.

"I just got to pick John did over here. I don't think Ricci's ready for that kind of challenge to her game."
LOSS vs Mackenzie Dern
Decision R5 5:00 · UFC 321 · Oct 25, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 106 of 217 48% 208 of 331 9 of 17 52% 0 0 9:07
Mackenzie Dern 0 118 of 231 51% 249 of 372 2 of 8 25% 0 0 3:45
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 27 of 45 60% 41 of 60 2 of 3 66% 0 0 1:57
Mackenzie Dern 0 20 of 36 55% 38 of 58 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:29
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 34 41% 45 of 72 2 of 3 66% 0 0 2:24
Mackenzie Dern 0 19 of 44 43% 50 of 77 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:17
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 27 51% 38 of 53 2 of 6 33% 0 0 2:09
Mackenzie Dern 0 18 of 32 56% 52 of 68 0 of 3 0% 0 0 1:14
4 Virna Jandiroba 0 28 of 58 48% 42 of 73 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:13
Mackenzie Dern 0 26 of 62 41% 38 of 74 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:30
5 Virna Jandiroba 0 23 of 53 43% 42 of 73 2 of 3 66% 0 0 2:24
Mackenzie Dern 0 35 of 57 61% 71 of 95 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:15
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 106 of 217 48% 72 of 177 20 of 25 14 of 15 83 of 192 20 of 21 3 of 4
Mackenzie Dern 118 of 231 51% 84 of 193 21 of 25 13 of 13 89 of 199 8 of 10 21 of 22
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 27 of 45 60% 9 of 25 13 of 15 5 of 5 18 of 36 8 of 8 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 20 of 36 55% 12 of 27 4 of 5 4 of 4 16 of 30 2 of 3 2 of 3
2 Virna Jandiroba 14 of 34 41% 11 of 31 1 of 1 2 of 2 12 of 32 1 of 1 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 19 of 44 43% 16 of 40 3 of 4 0 of 0 13 of 38 2 of 2 4 of 4
3 Virna Jandiroba 14 of 27 51% 14 of 25 0 of 2 0 of 0 7 of 19 6 of 6 1 of 2
Mackenzie Dern 18 of 32 56% 13 of 26 4 of 5 1 of 1 12 of 26 2 of 2 4 of 4
4 Virna Jandiroba 28 of 58 48% 20 of 49 3 of 4 5 of 5 26 of 55 2 of 3 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 26 of 62 41% 17 of 52 4 of 5 5 of 5 25 of 60 1 of 2 0 of 0
5 Virna Jandiroba 23 of 53 43% 18 of 47 3 of 3 2 of 3 20 of 50 3 of 3 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 35 of 57 61% 26 of 48 6 of 6 3 of 3 23 of 45 1 of 1 11 of 11
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Oct 19, 2025 (6 days before fight) Hesitant Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba based on gut feeling, despite the line moving against her. He expects the fight to be entirely on the ground, where Virna's wrestling and safe jiu-jitsu will grind out a win. He notes Mackenzie's only path is submission, but Virna won't take risks like Amanda Ribas did. Angelo plans to bet Virna if the line rebounds.

The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week. ... I'll probably have some action on Verna.
"I'm going to go with the gut here. ... Verna is going to be the pick. The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week."
BI
Big Brady Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern, highlighting her massive improvements in striking and wrestling. He notes Dern's striking looked incredible against Angela Hill and that she now has power and aggression. He believes Dern's pressure and volume will overwhelm Virna Jandiroba on the feet, as Jandiroba lacks power and may be hesitant to grapple. Brady also cites the five-round distance favoring Dern's cardio and toughness, predicting a fourth-round TKO.

Dern by fourth round TKO; line flipped from plus money; Dern to become strawweight champion
"I got to go Dern here. I think the five rounds heavily favors Mackenzie Dern. Give me Dern here. I'm going to say Dern wins this fight by fourth round TKO."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Cody picks Mackenzie Dern, arguing that over five rounds, Dern's volume, speed, and willingness to engage will outpace Jandiroba's control-heavy style. He notes that Jandiroba's wrestling is elite but she lacks striking output, and Dern's submission defense and scrambling make her dangerous off her back. Cody believes Dern's path is a decision win, as she lands more and is faster.

"I think over five rounds, she's just going to be doing a lot more. She lands more. She's faster."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Connor picks Jandiroba, taking a chance on her improvements in confidence and physicality since the first fight. He believes her wrestling-focused BJJ, reminiscent of Damien Maia, can neutralize Dern's guard attacks if she commits to grappling. He admits it's a hopeful pick but thinks Jandiroba has the tools to win if she doesn't repeat her negative game plan.

"I'm going to take the silly chance pick on Verna Jan Girova, cause I really want her to win and I really do feel like she's put in the work to be a more confident fighter, but I, you know, I don't even think it's silly."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Daniel Vreeland believes Mackenzie Dern's striking evolution and power give her the edge, especially as the fight progresses and Jandiroba slows down. He thinks the ground game will cancel out early, but Dern's improved hands and cardio will allow her to take over in later rounds. He also notes that the winner of the first fight often wins the rematch, especially with an age gap.

"I think in the early going, the ground game is going to kind of cancel itself out. But as the fight progresses and as Janji Doba starts to slow down, that's where I see McKenzie really letting her combinations go."
LU
Lucrative James Expert
Oct 20, 2025 (5 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Lucrative James picks Mackenzie Dern, citing her multiple paths to victory: she can win on the feet, by submission, or by outscrambling. He believes Dern has improved her boxing and wrestling, while Jandiroba's usual path of outgrappling opponents will be neutralized because Dern is dangerous from bottom and can sweep or submit her. He also notes Dern's better cardio and power, and predicts Jandiroba will get rocked at some point. He sees Dern as the underdog with value.

"I'm going to side with Mackenzie Durn here. ... I think she grits out a win here. TKO submission decision. I don't care. I'm picking McKenzie Durn money line."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The host expects Dern to replicate her 2020 win by putting together better striking, scrambling well in grappling, and winning a clear decision to become the new strawweight champion.

decision
"I expect her to replicate that performance... and new strawweight champion McKenzie Durn."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Dern has a great chin and throws more volume. He notes that Jandiroba's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Dern is crafty off her back. Paul also mentions that Jandiroba has never fought five rounds in the UFC and is 37, suggesting that if she wins early rounds, she may fade, making Dern a strong live bet as well.

"Dern just kind of if it turns into a slobberknocker on the feet, one Dern's got a great chin."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Oct 21, 2025 (4 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba by decision, expecting a split decision. He believes Jandiroba is more focused on her career than Dern, who has personal distractions. He notes that Jandiroba has been winning against top competition (Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Lemos) and has good takedowns and control. He references their first fight where Jandiroba had control time and takedowns. He expects a low-paced fight with Jandiroba dragging Dern around, winning clearly but with one judge giving Dern a round.

split decision; Jandiroba wins 49-46
"I'm going to go with Virna Jandiroba getting this one done. She'll win it clearly, but it'll be a split decision."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Zane picks Dern, citing a sinking feeling that Jandiroba will repeat her first fight mistake of being too respectful of Dern's ground game. He notes Dern's confidence and power on the feet, and believes Jandiroba's negative game plan will lead to her being outworked. However, he acknowledges Jandiroba's improvements and calls it a hope-based pick.

"I'm going to pick Mackenzie Dern, cause I just have a sinking feeling that Verna is, this is going to be the rare opponent where she actually has respect for her ground game and it's going to trick herself into thinking that means it's too dangerous to grapple with her …"
WIN vs Yan Xiaonan
Decision R3 5:00 · UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes · Apr 12, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Yan Xiaonan 0 17 of 44 38% 64 of 103 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:27
Virna Jandiroba 0 11 of 20 55% 96 of 131 3 of 11 27% 3 1 9:59
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Yan Xiaonan 0 6 of 17 35% 31 of 50 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Virna Jandiroba 0 4 of 9 44% 18 of 31 1 of 5 20% 0 0 3:03
2 Yan Xiaonan 0 4 of 6 66% 14 of 20 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:27
Virna Jandiroba 0 0 of 1 0% 40 of 51 1 of 1 100% 2 1 4:14
3 Yan Xiaonan 0 7 of 21 33% 19 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Virna Jandiroba 0 7 of 10 70% 38 of 49 1 of 5 20% 1 0 2:42
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Yan Xiaonan 17 of 44 38% 13 of 34 3 of 7 1 of 3 12 of 38 0 of 0 5 of 6
Virna Jandiroba 11 of 20 55% 11 of 20 0 of 0 0 of 0 8 of 16 0 of 1 3 of 3
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Yan Xiaonan 6 of 17 35% 4 of 11 2 of 4 0 of 2 5 of 16 0 of 0 1 of 1
Virna Jandiroba 4 of 9 44% 4 of 9 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 7 0 of 1 1 of 1
2 Yan Xiaonan 4 of 6 66% 4 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 4 of 5
Virna Jandiroba 0 of 1 0% 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 0
3 Yan Xiaonan 7 of 21 33% 5 of 17 1 of 3 1 of 1 7 of 21 0 of 0 0 of 0
Virna Jandiroba 7 of 10 70% 7 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 0 5 of 8 0 of 0 2 of 2
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Apr 11, 2025 (1 day before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Connor picks Virna Jandiroba, arguing that the only fighters to beat her are those who can scramble with her, and he doesn't believe Yan is that type of fighter. He notes that Jandiroba's pressure and wrestling will force Yan to fight on the back foot, and that Jandiroba has a proven ability to turn messy situations into wins. Connor acknowledges Yan's striking improvements but thinks Jandiroba's grappling will be the deciding factor.

Same odds commentary as Zane.
"I'm gonna pick Jan-Joroba. I think she can take that mess and turn it into the wind."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert
Apr 16, 2025 (fight day) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Daniel Levi credits Yan Xiaonan for surviving three rounds on the mat with Virna Jandiroba despite being a blue belt, but acknowledges Jandiroba's victory. He states Jandiroba earned her title shot and should face Zhang Weili next.

"Verna Jeanji Doba and Yan Jean. Yeah. You know, firstly, credit to Yan Jean. you know, you're a blue belt and you survived three rounds on the mat with arguably one of the best black belts... And for Verna, congrats, girl. You earned your title shot."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Apr 11, 2025 (1 day before fight) Confident Yan Xiaonan

Zane picks Yan Xiaonan, citing her rapid improvement and newfound confidence after her title fight loss. He believes her striking at range is superior to Jandiroba's previous opponents, and that Jandiroba's game relies on opponents making huge mistakes, which Yan is less prone to. Zane acknowledges Yan's grappling weakness but sees a clear path for her to bank points and do damage at range.

Jandiroba opened at -159, now -149; Yan opened at +132, now +126. Zane likes that the odds are close.
"I think I have a feeling Jan-Joroba is gonna win this, but I think I'm gonna pick Jan though."
WIN vs Amanda Lemos
Submission (armbar) R2 4:48 · UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba · Jul 20, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 2 of 9 22% 5 of 12 0 of 0 --- 1 1 0:51
Amanda Lemos 0 2 of 8 25% 20 of 27 1 of 5 20% 4 1 6:27
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 1 of 1 100% 3 of 3 0 of 0 --- 1 1 0:26
Amanda Lemos 0 0 of 1 0% 8 of 9 1 of 1 100% 2 0 3:42
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 1 of 8 12% 2 of 9 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:25
Amanda Lemos 0 2 of 7 28% 12 of 18 0 of 4 0% 2 1 2:45
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 2 of 9 22% 2 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 1 1 of 8 0 of 0 1 of 1
Amanda Lemos 2 of 8 25% 2 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 1 2 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 1 of 1 100% 1 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 1 of 1
Amanda Lemos 0 of 1 0% 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 1 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Virna Jandiroba 1 of 8 12% 1 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 1 1 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 0
Amanda Lemos 2 of 7 28% 2 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 1 2 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Jul 14, 2024 (6 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba because she will grind and get takedowns, neutralizing Amanda Lemos's striking. He notes that Lemos is the better mixed martial artist but cannot defend takedowns. He plans to wait for prop bets, especially the takedown line, and considers Jandiroba affordable at even money.

waiting for prop bets, especially takedown line
"I've got to pick Verna here this is definitely a steep test it'll be her first five round fight at first Main Event she is Affordable at even money"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Cody picks Jandiroba, emphasizing her freakish strength, takedown ability, and durability. He notes Lemos has cardio issues and has been taken down repeatedly by lesser grapplers. He expects Jandiroba to bank rounds with top control as Lemos fades, though he admits the fight likely goes to decision and could be a weird judging outcome. He suggests live betting Jandiroba after Lemos wins early rounds.

"I'm gonna chase the other side and go Verna."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert
Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Daniel Vreeland leans with Virna Jandiroba due to her world-class Jiu-Jitsu and unorthodox takedown entries, believing she can take down Amanda Lemos and possibly secure a submission early. He notes that Lemos has a significant power edge and could get a late knockout if Jandiroba gasses, but he trusts Jandiroba's early dominance. He also mentions that Lemos has shown vulnerability to submissions, referencing the standing arm triangle loss to Andrade.

"I'm GNA lean with Verna janida because I do think she's going to have that early um upside you know in terms of getting those takedowns in terms of those near submission attempts possibly getting a submission attempt and wearing out um lamos"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Jandiroba is a -130 favorite. She has a smothering grappling style and excellent cardio, which should wear down Lemos in the later rounds. Lemos has power but questionable takedown defense and cardio. Jandiroba's chin has held up, and she can take Lemos down, take her back, and eventually find a submission in the third or fourth round. Lemos could finish early, but if she doesn't, Jandiroba will dominate.

submission
"I'm going to say jandi Roba by submission"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Jul 17, 2024 (3 days before fight) Lean Amanda Lemos

Paul thinks Lemos is the better striker and can hang on the mat against Jandiroba, citing her durability in going five rounds with Zhang Weili and surviving takedowns from Mackenzie Dern. He acknowledges Jandiroba's grappling edge but believes Lemos can avoid submissions and win rounds with damage. He calls it close to a pick 'em fight but leans Lemos at plus money.

"I'm kind of tempted by Amanda Lemos in this spot... close to a pick 'em fight but give me Amanda Lemos at plus 110."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Jul 16, 2024 (4 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba after initially considering Lemos. He recalls Lemos' grappling being exposed by Zhang Weili, who had 16 minutes of control time. He notes Jandiroba has never been finished and had close fights with Amanda Ribas and Marina Rodriguez. He trusts the favorite Jandiroba despite not wanting her to succeed.

"I'll go jander Roba I'll Trust in a favorite here I'll go jandera"
WIN vs Loopy Godinez
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) R3 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot · Mar 30, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 30 of 108 27% 86 of 180 2 of 9 22% 3 1 6:35
Loopy Godinez 0 38 of 95 40% 50 of 116 0 of 0 --- 0 1 1:52
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 12 of 45 26% 18 of 53 1 of 4 25% 0 0 1:47
Loopy Godinez 0 13 of 34 38% 17 of 38 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:22
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 5 of 21 23% 38 of 63 0 of 1 0% 0 1 2:31
Loopy Godinez 0 9 of 26 34% 15 of 40 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:57
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 13 of 42 30% 30 of 64 1 of 4 25% 3 0 2:17
Loopy Godinez 0 16 of 35 45% 18 of 38 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:33
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 30 of 108 27% 27 of 100 3 of 8 0 of 0 30 of 106 0 of 2 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 38 of 95 40% 25 of 79 11 of 14 2 of 2 30 of 82 7 of 11 1 of 2
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 12 of 45 26% 12 of 44 0 of 1 0 of 0 12 of 45 0 of 0 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 13 of 34 38% 9 of 28 4 of 6 0 of 0 10 of 30 3 of 4 0 of 0
2 Virna Jandiroba 5 of 21 23% 5 of 21 0 of 0 0 of 0 5 of 20 0 of 1 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 9 of 26 34% 6 of 23 1 of 1 2 of 2 7 of 22 1 of 2 1 of 2
3 Virna Jandiroba 13 of 42 30% 10 of 35 3 of 7 0 of 0 13 of 41 0 of 1 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 16 of 35 45% 10 of 28 6 of 7 0 of 0 13 of 30 3 of 5 0 of 0
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Mar 24, 2024 (6 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

Angelo picks Loopy Godinez, believing she is better everywhere, including wrestling. He notes Virna Jandiroba is a grinder with a one-dimensional game plan of shooting takedowns. He thinks Godinez's striking improvements and defensive wrestling will be enough to win, though he acknowledges Jandiroba's relentless takedown attempts could be a problem.

"lupy is better than Verna janer Roba literally everywhere even wrestling"
BI
Big Brady Expert
Mar 25, 2024 (5 days before fight) Hesitant Loopy Godinez

Big Brady picks Loopy Godinez to win by decision, but expresses concern about her fight IQ. He believes Godinez should keep the fight standing to avoid Jandiroba's dangerous BJJ, but worries she might wrestle unnecessarily. He thinks Godinez is the much better striker and should stuff takedowns, but is not fully confident due to her past poor decisions.

minus 180
"give me loopy I'll take it to win by decision um minus 180 uh I don't know I don't know if I can trust her but I'll take her to win this fight by decision"
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert
Mar 27, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

Daniel Vreeland picks Loopy Godinez, citing her superior striking, power, and athleticism. He thinks she can keep the fight standing and use a sprawl-and-brawl game plan to avoid Jandiroba's dangerous jiu-jitsu. He notes Jandiroba's willingness to stand and trade, which plays into Godinez's hands. He predicts Godinez by decision.

"official pick loopy decision"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Mar 26, 2024 (4 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

Godinez has improved striking and wrestling advantage. Jandiroba's hands are poor; she got outboxed by McKenzie Dern and Amanda Lemos. Godinez should keep the fight standing and land punches, potentially earning her first UFC knockout. The plus 750 KO prop is worth a sprinkle. Godinez controls pace and location.

Godinez by knockout (+750)
"I believe the last I saw was plus 750 H her to win by knockout worth a little bit of a Sprinkle"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Mar 27, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

The host picks Loopy Godinez, stating he never picks Virna Jandiroba. He believes Godinez can keep the fight on the feet and has a boxing and grit advantage. He thinks Godinez's grappling is good enough to defend takedowns and that she will win a decision, possibly 29-28. He notes that close decisions tend to go against Jandiroba.

decision win
"I am gonna go lupy godinez because I'm never picking Vera jander Roba to win a fight there's a rule I have not picking her"
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) R3 5:00 · UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo · May 06, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 33 of 62 53% 115 of 150 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:05
Marina Rodriguez 0 27 of 43 62% 91 of 116 3 of 7 42% 0 1 12:02
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 7 of 9 77% 18 of 21 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Marina Rodriguez 0 4 of 7 57% 31 of 40 1 of 1 100% 0 0 4:36
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 5 of 11 45% 27 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:05
Marina Rodriguez 0 11 of 16 68% 34 of 40 1 of 4 25% 0 1 4:06
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 21 of 42 50% 70 of 96 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Marina Rodriguez 0 12 of 20 60% 26 of 36 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:20
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 33 of 62 53% 27 of 52 5 of 8 1 of 2 10 of 37 3 of 3 20 of 22
Marina Rodriguez 27 of 43 62% 25 of 41 1 of 1 1 of 1 7 of 22 5 of 5 15 of 16
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 7 of 9 77% 6 of 8 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 6
Marina Rodriguez 4 of 7 57% 4 of 7 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 3 0 of 0 4 of 4
2 Virna Jandiroba 5 of 11 45% 2 of 7 3 of 3 0 of 1 0 of 6 2 of 2 3 of 3
Marina Rodriguez 11 of 16 68% 11 of 16 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 5 3 of 3 8 of 8
3 Virna Jandiroba 21 of 42 50% 19 of 37 2 of 5 0 of 0 9 of 28 1 of 1 11 of 13
Marina Rodriguez 12 of 20 60% 10 of 18 1 of 1 1 of 1 7 of 14 2 of 2 3 of 4
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Apr 30, 2023 (6 days before fight) Confident Marina Rodriguez

Angelo picks Marina Rodriguez but warns it feels like a trap and advises not to bet on it. He believes Marina has a clear striking advantage and will land cleanly, while Virna Jandiroba's head movement is poor. The fight comes down to Marina's takedown defense; if she can keep it standing, she wins. Angelo thinks Virna will have some success diving for legs, but judges will favor Marina's clean striking. He is not touching this fight with his money.

do not bet on this fight - feels like a trap
"Marina's gonna be the pick but for just absolute shit's sake do not bet on this fight this feels like a trap"
BI
Big Brady Expert
May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Big Brady picks Jandiroba, citing her superior wrestling and grappling. He notes Rodriguez has poor takedown defense and get-up game, and Jandiroba is dangerous on top. He believes Jandiroba will get takedowns and submit Rodriguez, predicting a second-round submission. He dismisses Rodriguez's takedown defense against Mackenzie Dern as irrelevant because Dern has poor wrestling.

Second round submission prediction
"I'm actually going to go with we're going to generobo to win this fight by submission I think she's going to get a ton of opportunities here to get that submission"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
May 3, 2023 (3 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Cody sees a clear path for Jandiroba via her superior wrestling. He notes that Rodriguez gives up takedowns in every fight, and Jandiroba is a strong wrestler with good top game. He expects Jandiroba to take her down, control her, and win a decision or possibly a submission. He likes the plus money.

"I would take the plus money shot here on gender Robo"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight) Confident Marina Rodriguez

Connor agrees, noting Jandiroba's striking is awkward and she reaches for strikes, while Rodriguez is durable and has never been submitted. He sees the fight getting harder for Jandiroba as it goes on, similar to Rodriguez's fight with Ribas where Ribas got knocked out after an early takedown.

Rodriguez opened -190, now -128; Jandiroba opened +169, now +116.
"I think I have to agree with that with not a whole lot to add."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight) Confident Marina Rodriguez

The host picks Marina Rodriguez by decision. He believes Rodriguez's improved takedown defense and striking will keep the fight standing, where she can land significant strikes. He acknowledges Jandiroba's BJJ threat but trusts Rodriguez's recent improvements to nullify it.

"I'm hoping from the improvements that we've been seeing from Rodriguez over our last several fights she'll be able to keep this fight upright land the more significant strikes and get her hand raised by decision"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
May 3, 2023 (3 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Paul has already bet Jandiroba at +140. He agrees that her wrestling is the key, as Rodriguez has been taken down by everyone. He expects Jandiroba to make it ugly, hold her against the cage, and win a close decision.

"I took a stale plus 140 the market moved a little bit but I still think I like plus 125s"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
May 1, 2023 (5 days before fight) Confident Marina Rodriguez

The Guru picks Rodriguez, stating she is better in all areas, especially on the feet. He believes her grappling has improved enough to survive Jandiroba's ground game, and that she is a better version of Amanda Ribas, who beat Jandiroba. He predicts a decision win.

decision win
"I'm gonna side with Marina Rodriguez here ... bouncing back with a decision win"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
May 4, 2023 (2 days before fight) Confident Marina Rodriguez

Zane picks Rodriguez because Jandiroba is unlikely to get an early submission, and Rodriguez gets harder to take down as fights go on. He notes Jandiroba's striking is awkward and she struggles on the back foot, while Rodriguez's pressure and durability should take over in later rounds. He compares it to Rodriguez's win over Amanda Ribas.

Rodriguez opened -190, now -128; Jandiroba opened +169, now +116; odds tightening but Zane thinks it's not deserved.
"I just don't trust Jandiroba to get into the kind of insane exchanges that Rodriguez creates one way or the other."
WIN vs Angela Hill
Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) R3 5:00 · UFC on ESPN: Blachowicz vs. Rakic · May 14, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 60 23% 92 of 151 3 of 8 37% 0 0 7:04
Angela Hill 0 21 of 55 38% 44 of 86 1 of 2 50% 0 1 2:08
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 5 of 21 23% 16 of 32 0 of 3 0% 0 0 1:17
Angela Hill 0 4 of 17 23% 11 of 25 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:39
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 6 of 27 22% 30 of 57 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:44
Angela Hill 0 12 of 27 44% 16 of 33 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:13
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 3 of 12 25% 46 of 62 2 of 3 66% 0 0 4:03
Angela Hill 0 5 of 11 45% 17 of 28 0 of 0 --- 0 1 0:16
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 14 of 60 23% 13 of 52 1 of 8 0 of 0 13 of 58 1 of 2 0 of 0
Angela Hill 21 of 55 38% 14 of 42 7 of 13 0 of 0 19 of 52 2 of 2 0 of 1
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 5 of 21 23% 4 of 16 1 of 5 0 of 0 4 of 20 1 of 1 0 of 0
Angela Hill 4 of 17 23% 3 of 11 1 of 6 0 of 0 4 of 17 0 of 0 0 of 0
2 Virna Jandiroba 6 of 27 22% 6 of 24 0 of 3 0 of 0 6 of 26 0 of 1 0 of 0
Angela Hill 12 of 27 44% 6 of 20 6 of 7 0 of 0 10 of 25 2 of 2 0 of 0
3 Virna Jandiroba 3 of 12 25% 3 of 12 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 12 0 of 0 0 of 0
Angela Hill 5 of 11 45% 5 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0 5 of 10 0 of 0 0 of 1
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Angela Hill vs. Virna Jandiroba
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Jandiroba (-165), Hill (+145)

Round 1
For the victor, a spot will remain in the top 15 of the tumultuous strawweight division, while the defeated may tumble out of the rankings – and the company itself – altogether. Even though Jandiroba (17-3, 3-3 UFC) and Hill (13-11, 8-11 UFC) swam in the same circles of
Invicta Fighting Championships
’ and the UFC’s 115-pound category, their paths never crossed until tonight. These two ex-Invicta champs will receive oversight from referee Mark Smith, and do not touch ‘em up before proceeding to try and bludgeon, strangle or otherwise inflict great bodily harm on the other. Hill takes the center of the cage with one hand lower, perhaps anticipating a takedown while not remotely concerned with the Brazilian’s striking. If history is any indication, this might be a solid strategy. The stance allows Hill to stave off a takedown setup, and when she is paying attention to this, Jandiroba has two punches land across the bow. Jandiroba absorbs a right hand back, and as soon as Hill commits to punches, “Carcara” bullies her way into a takedown attempt. Jandiroba pushes Hill back across the cage to the fence, and Hill stuffs her and pushes Jandiroba over. This is not to her best interest, as Jandiroba falls to her seat and hunts for a leglock of some sort. Going for a kneebar, an ankle lock or anything she can snatch up, Hill is quickly in danger, with Hill’s left leg extended outward as Jandiroba is hanging on to it. Hill grimaces in pain as she hangs on to Jandiroba’s wrists, and Hill sits up to attempt to punch her way out of the sub and successfully does so. Jandiroba considers another submission setup, but she cannot keep Hill grounded. They stay tied up in the clinch when standing up again, and they both try to whip the other around for a takedown. Hill starts letting loose with knees to the body as Jandiroba is happy to remain tied up, and Hill looks to break off but Jandiroba is not letting go. Hill finally explodes her way out, and Jandiroba throws out a few hands while Hill is hesitant to engage. Hill swats away offense before ducking down and goes for a double, and she hits it only to get reversed as soon as they hit the mat. Jandiroba ends the round on top in an odd position.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba

Round 2
Hill strikes first to begin the second round, and Jandiroba is more active and meets her in the middle with several more strikes in volume. They trade punches until Jandiroba closes in for a clinch, and after landing one knee up the middle, she abandons it and lets Hill swing back hitting air. Jandiroba goes over the top with a surprisingly effective right hand, and Hill blitzes into a tie-up so that she can hammer the midsection with a veritable bouquet of knees. Jandiroba scores a single elbow on the break, but Hill is energized, stringing three punches together as she gives chase. Hill presses forward to clinch, and they jockey for position and meet with knees on the sternum. Jandiroba breaks, and she looks for a one-two while Hill counters with a clean right hand. In the open cage, Jandiroba dives down for a takedown and practically tackles Hill over to plop her on the ground. Hill defends with a single butterfly hook as Jandiroba is on top heavily in half guard, and she cinches her own lets around Hill’s to shut down any possible escapes from “Overkill.” Jandiroba steps over to a dominant position, but instead of taking it, she snags hold of Hill’s left arm in search of an armbar or a kimura lock. Jandiroba turns it to an armbar as she falls to her back to lock it up, and Hill steps over and stacks Jandiroba up to keep the arm safe from harm. Jandiroba keeps that submission tied up as Hill’s knee crushes on Jandiroba’s jaw, and this posture of Hill along with her rocking back and forth allows Hill to make it to the third round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba

Round 3
Hill is aggressive to start the third round, and she throws hands fast and lets them go to nail Jandiroba upside the head. Jandiroba is stunned momentarily, and Hill rolls through to rip an uppercut. The punches get Jandiroba’s attention, forcing the Brazilian to shoot for a double that presses Hill to the wall. Hill keeps herself upright thanks to the fence behind her, but Jandiroba turns the corner and yanks her down to the canvas. “Overkill” instantly attacks with elbows off her back while Jandiroba is slithering her way through gain better top position, and she lines up north-south before taking Hill’s back as Hill looks to stand. Jandiroba holds on to a leg tightly to wrench Hill right back down to the ground almost as soon as Hill stands, and “Carcara” gladly lowers herself into Hill’s guard as Hill closes it around her. Time is ticking away from Hill’s chances at pulling off a comeback, and Jandiroba is comfortable wearing on Hill and working the body with short, stay-busy punches. Hill hangs on with a lock around Jandiroba’s shoulder, possibly for a straight armlock off her back, and Jandiroba wriggles her arm out and continues her smothering top control. With Jandiroba clinging to half guard, Hill explodes in an effort to get up. This does not work to her benefit, as Jandiroba follows her all the way through to take Hill’s back. With 10 seconds to spare, Hill turns Jandiroba around and gets on top, and Jandiroba throws her legs up high to prevent any offense from “Overkill” in the remainder of the match. The fight ends in this stalemate position, and as the horn sounds, Jandiroba hoots and shouts in celebration after a likely victory.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 Jandiroba)

The Official Result
Virna Jandiroba def. Angela Hill via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
May 11, 2022 (3 days before fight) Hesitant Angela Hill

Cody picks Hill as a dog, noting her fights are always close and competitive. He thinks Jandiroba's cardio is suspect and she may not be able to maintain takedown pressure for three rounds. He believes Hill can out-volume her on the feet and make it a close decision, though he's not highly confident.

"i'm gonna take angela hill that'll be my dog number two"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
May 11, 2022 (3 days before fight) Hesitant Angela Hill

Paul also leans toward Hill, calling it a dogger pass. He notes Hill's volume striking and that Jandiroba struggles to get takedowns against good grapplers. He thinks if Hill can keep it standing, she wins the volume game. However, he acknowledges Jandiroba's BJJ from top is nasty and she could bank the first two rounds.

"i think it's dogger pass though it's like you have to be really confident that vern is going to be able to get to this to the mat otherwise i think angel angela hill just out volume sir"
LOSS vs Amanda Ribas
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00 · UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira · Oct 30, 2021
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Amanda Ribas 0 88 of 233 37% 124 of 273 1 of 5 20% 1 0 0:43
Virna Jandiroba 1 50 of 155 32% 119 of 224 1 of 8 12% 0 0 3:06
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Amanda Ribas 0 8 of 18 44% 36 of 50 0 of 1 0% 1 0 0:05
Virna Jandiroba 1 12 of 23 52% 79 of 90 1 of 3 33% 0 0 3:06
2 Amanda Ribas 0 26 of 83 31% 33 of 90 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:35
Virna Jandiroba 0 12 of 62 19% 14 of 64 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:00
3 Amanda Ribas 0 54 of 132 40% 55 of 133 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:03
Virna Jandiroba 0 26 of 70 37% 26 of 70 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Amanda Ribas 88 of 233 37% 59 of 194 15 of 24 14 of 15 84 of 227 4 of 6 0 of 0
Virna Jandiroba 50 of 155 32% 46 of 141 4 of 14 0 of 0 46 of 148 1 of 4 3 of 3
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Amanda Ribas 8 of 18 44% 5 of 13 1 of 3 2 of 2 7 of 17 1 of 1 0 of 0
Virna Jandiroba 12 of 23 52% 12 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 0 8 of 18 1 of 2 3 of 3
2 Amanda Ribas 26 of 83 31% 18 of 71 6 of 10 2 of 2 24 of 80 2 of 3 0 of 0
Virna Jandiroba 12 of 62 19% 9 of 57 3 of 5 0 of 0 12 of 61 0 of 1 0 of 0
3 Amanda Ribas 54 of 132 40% 36 of 110 8 of 11 10 of 11 53 of 130 1 of 2 0 of 0
Virna Jandiroba 26 of 70 37% 25 of 61 1 of 9 0 of 0 26 of 69 0 of 1 0 of 0
BI
Big Brady Expert
Oct 26, 2021 (4 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Big Brady slightly leans towards Virna Jandiroba to win a close decision. He acknowledges Ribas has the striking advantage, but Jandiroba's wrestling and ground game are next level. He thinks Jandiroba will get takedowns and control the fight on the mat, squeaking out a decision. He notes Ribas's takedown defense may be misleading and Jandiroba's confidence on the ground is high.

"I'm going to slightly lean with jandarova here and i'm actually going to say i'll say i'll be i'll save my decision i'll say she wins a very close decision."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Oct 27, 2021 (3 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Cody leans towards Jandiroba as a dog, noting her wrestling and grappling advantage. He thinks her striking has improved (shown against Kanako Murata). He questions Ribas's level of competition (soft wins) and thinks Jandiroba could grind out a decision if she gets top control. He calls it a pass but sees value on the dog.

"if i was gonna take that first underdog shot it might be an averted chandranova"
DA
Daniel Levi Expert
Oct 28, 2021 (2 days before fight) Lean Amanda Ribas

Daniel slightly leans with Amanda Ribas, citing her athleticism and cleaner striking. He acknowledges her chin is a concern and that Jandiroba has improved stand-up and strong jiu-jitsu. Daniel thinks Ribas can keep the fight on the outside and out-hustle Jandiroba to a decision, but he is not fully confident due to Ribas's durability issues.

"i still am slightly leaning with a amanda heba so give me her for the dub"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Oct 28, 2021 (2 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

Jandiroba is the better grappler and will likely take Ribas down and control her. Ribas' striking is flashy but she gets in trouble against pressure. Jandiroba should land takedowns and grind out a decision, especially if she trusts her jiu-jitsu.

Jandiroba by decision.
"I like the januaroba side here plus 145 and it looks like the money is coming in on amanda hebas."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Oct 24, 2021 (6 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

The MMA Guru picks Amanda Ribas clearly. He states she is better on the feet and on the ground. He notes that Jandiroba was outstruck by Mackenzie Dern, while Ribas danced around Dern. He dismisses Jandiroba's grappling threat and cardio. He predicts Ribas will win by unanimous decision, dancing around for three rounds, 30-27.

"this is ribassa's fight in my opinion pretty clearly"
Mackenzie Dern - Fight History
Decision R5 5:00 · UFC 321 · Oct 25, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Virna Jandiroba 0 106 of 217 48% 208 of 331 9 of 17 52% 0 0 9:07
Mackenzie Dern 0 118 of 231 51% 249 of 372 2 of 8 25% 0 0 3:45
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Virna Jandiroba 0 27 of 45 60% 41 of 60 2 of 3 66% 0 0 1:57
Mackenzie Dern 0 20 of 36 55% 38 of 58 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:29
2 Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 34 41% 45 of 72 2 of 3 66% 0 0 2:24
Mackenzie Dern 0 19 of 44 43% 50 of 77 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:17
3 Virna Jandiroba 0 14 of 27 51% 38 of 53 2 of 6 33% 0 0 2:09
Mackenzie Dern 0 18 of 32 56% 52 of 68 0 of 3 0% 0 0 1:14
4 Virna Jandiroba 0 28 of 58 48% 42 of 73 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:13
Mackenzie Dern 0 26 of 62 41% 38 of 74 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:30
5 Virna Jandiroba 0 23 of 53 43% 42 of 73 2 of 3 66% 0 0 2:24
Mackenzie Dern 0 35 of 57 61% 71 of 95 1 of 1 100% 0 0 0:15
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Virna Jandiroba 106 of 217 48% 72 of 177 20 of 25 14 of 15 83 of 192 20 of 21 3 of 4
Mackenzie Dern 118 of 231 51% 84 of 193 21 of 25 13 of 13 89 of 199 8 of 10 21 of 22
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Virna Jandiroba 27 of 45 60% 9 of 25 13 of 15 5 of 5 18 of 36 8 of 8 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 20 of 36 55% 12 of 27 4 of 5 4 of 4 16 of 30 2 of 3 2 of 3
2 Virna Jandiroba 14 of 34 41% 11 of 31 1 of 1 2 of 2 12 of 32 1 of 1 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 19 of 44 43% 16 of 40 3 of 4 0 of 0 13 of 38 2 of 2 4 of 4
3 Virna Jandiroba 14 of 27 51% 14 of 25 0 of 2 0 of 0 7 of 19 6 of 6 1 of 2
Mackenzie Dern 18 of 32 56% 13 of 26 4 of 5 1 of 1 12 of 26 2 of 2 4 of 4
4 Virna Jandiroba 28 of 58 48% 20 of 49 3 of 4 5 of 5 26 of 55 2 of 3 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 26 of 62 41% 17 of 52 4 of 5 5 of 5 25 of 60 1 of 2 0 of 0
5 Virna Jandiroba 23 of 53 43% 18 of 47 3 of 3 2 of 3 20 of 50 3 of 3 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 35 of 57 61% 26 of 48 6 of 6 3 of 3 23 of 45 1 of 1 11 of 11
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Oct 19, 2025 (6 days before fight) Hesitant Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba based on gut feeling, despite the line moving against her. He expects the fight to be entirely on the ground, where Virna's wrestling and safe jiu-jitsu will grind out a win. He notes Mackenzie's only path is submission, but Virna won't take risks like Amanda Ribas did. Angelo plans to bet Virna if the line rebounds.

The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week. ... I'll probably have some action on Verna.
"I'm going to go with the gut here. ... Verna is going to be the pick. The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week."
BI
Big Brady Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern, highlighting her massive improvements in striking and wrestling. He notes Dern's striking looked incredible against Angela Hill and that she now has power and aggression. He believes Dern's pressure and volume will overwhelm Virna Jandiroba on the feet, as Jandiroba lacks power and may be hesitant to grapple. Brady also cites the five-round distance favoring Dern's cardio and toughness, predicting a fourth-round TKO.

Dern by fourth round TKO; line flipped from plus money; Dern to become strawweight champion
"I got to go Dern here. I think the five rounds heavily favors Mackenzie Dern. Give me Dern here. I'm going to say Dern wins this fight by fourth round TKO."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Cody picks Mackenzie Dern, arguing that over five rounds, Dern's volume, speed, and willingness to engage will outpace Jandiroba's control-heavy style. He notes that Jandiroba's wrestling is elite but she lacks striking output, and Dern's submission defense and scrambling make her dangerous off her back. Cody believes Dern's path is a decision win, as she lands more and is faster.

"I think over five rounds, she's just going to be doing a lot more. She lands more. She's faster."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Connor picks Jandiroba, taking a chance on her improvements in confidence and physicality since the first fight. He believes her wrestling-focused BJJ, reminiscent of Damien Maia, can neutralize Dern's guard attacks if she commits to grappling. He admits it's a hopeful pick but thinks Jandiroba has the tools to win if she doesn't repeat her negative game plan.

"I'm going to take the silly chance pick on Verna Jan Girova, cause I really want her to win and I really do feel like she's put in the work to be a more confident fighter, but I, you know, I don't even think it's silly."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Daniel Vreeland believes Mackenzie Dern's striking evolution and power give her the edge, especially as the fight progresses and Jandiroba slows down. He thinks the ground game will cancel out early, but Dern's improved hands and cardio will allow her to take over in later rounds. He also notes that the winner of the first fight often wins the rematch, especially with an age gap.

"I think in the early going, the ground game is going to kind of cancel itself out. But as the fight progresses and as Janji Doba starts to slow down, that's where I see McKenzie really letting her combinations go."
LU
Lucrative James Expert
Oct 20, 2025 (5 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Lucrative James picks Mackenzie Dern, citing her multiple paths to victory: she can win on the feet, by submission, or by outscrambling. He believes Dern has improved her boxing and wrestling, while Jandiroba's usual path of outgrappling opponents will be neutralized because Dern is dangerous from bottom and can sweep or submit her. He also notes Dern's better cardio and power, and predicts Jandiroba will get rocked at some point. He sees Dern as the underdog with value.

"I'm going to side with Mackenzie Durn here. ... I think she grits out a win here. TKO submission decision. I don't care. I'm picking McKenzie Durn money line."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The host expects Dern to replicate her 2020 win by putting together better striking, scrambling well in grappling, and winning a clear decision to become the new strawweight champion.

decision
"I expect her to replicate that performance... and new strawweight champion McKenzie Durn."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Dern has a great chin and throws more volume. He notes that Jandiroba's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Dern is crafty off her back. Paul also mentions that Jandiroba has never fought five rounds in the UFC and is 37, suggesting that if she wins early rounds, she may fade, making Dern a strong live bet as well.

"Dern just kind of if it turns into a slobberknocker on the feet, one Dern's got a great chin."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Oct 21, 2025 (4 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba by decision, expecting a split decision. He believes Jandiroba is more focused on her career than Dern, who has personal distractions. He notes that Jandiroba has been winning against top competition (Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Lemos) and has good takedowns and control. He references their first fight where Jandiroba had control time and takedowns. He expects a low-paced fight with Jandiroba dragging Dern around, winning clearly but with one judge giving Dern a round.

split decision; Jandiroba wins 49-46
"I'm going to go with Virna Jandiroba getting this one done. She'll win it clearly, but it'll be a split decision."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Zane picks Dern, citing a sinking feeling that Jandiroba will repeat her first fight mistake of being too respectful of Dern's ground game. He notes Dern's confidence and power on the feet, and believes Jandiroba's negative game plan will lead to her being outworked. However, he acknowledges Jandiroba's improvements and calls it a hope-based pick.

"I'm going to pick Mackenzie Dern, cause I just have a sinking feeling that Verna is, this is going to be the rare opponent where she actually has respect for her ground game and it's going to trick herself into thinking that means it's too dangerous to grapple with her …"
WIN vs Amanda Ribas
Submission (armbar) R3 4:56 · UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 · Jan 11, 2025
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Mackenzie Dern 0 27 of 46 58% 82 of 107 1 of 3 33% 1 2 4:34
Amanda Ribas 0 17 of 56 30% 99 of 151 2 of 2 100% 0 0 5:47
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Mackenzie Dern 0 12 of 25 48% 34 of 47 1 of 1 100% 0 0 2:36
Amanda Ribas 0 10 of 33 30% 27 of 50 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
2 Mackenzie Dern 0 3 of 3 100% 24 of 25 0 of 1 0% 0 1 0:19
Amanda Ribas 0 3 of 6 50% 37 of 49 1 of 1 100% 0 0 3:31
3 Mackenzie Dern 0 12 of 18 66% 24 of 35 0 of 1 0% 1 1 1:39
Amanda Ribas 0 4 of 17 23% 35 of 52 1 of 1 100% 0 0 2:16
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Mackenzie Dern 27 of 46 58% 13 of 27 3 of 8 11 of 11 18 of 34 1 of 3 8 of 9
Amanda Ribas 17 of 56 30% 10 of 44 1 of 4 6 of 8 14 of 51 0 of 0 3 of 5
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Mackenzie Dern 12 of 25 48% 4 of 15 2 of 4 6 of 6 12 of 25 0 of 0 0 of 0
Amanda Ribas 10 of 33 30% 6 of 26 1 of 3 3 of 4 9 of 32 0 of 0 1 of 1
2 Mackenzie Dern 3 of 3 100% 1 of 1 0 of 0 2 of 2 2 of 2 0 of 0 1 of 1
Amanda Ribas 3 of 6 50% 2 of 5 0 of 0 1 of 1 1 of 4 0 of 0 2 of 2
3 Mackenzie Dern 12 of 18 66% 8 of 11 1 of 4 3 of 3 4 of 7 1 of 3 7 of 8
Amanda Ribas 4 of 17 23% 2 of 13 0 of 1 2 of 3 4 of 15 0 of 0 0 of 2
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Jan 5, 2025 (6 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Angelo picks Amanda Ribas, noting that she dominated the first fight and has improved her striking since. He believes Ribas is the better striker and wrestler, and that her takedown defense and cardio will be key. He thinks the five rounds favor Ribas, as Dern's danger decreases as the fight goes on. He mentions Jacob had a big bet on Ribas at plus money when she was an underdog.

Jacob had a massive bet on Amanda Ribas at plus money (now -200)
"Amanda heas wins this fight I think it's pretty straightforward and I think the five rounds only benefits Amanda"
BI
Big Brady Expert
Jan 8, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Big Brady notes that Dern has improved her striking and takedown accuracy since their first fight, but still considers her wrestling and striking not great. He highlights Ribas's elite takedown defense (85%) and her own grappling ability, meaning she won't be afraid to grapple. He predicts Ribas will dictate where the fight takes place and win by decision, though not as dominant as the first fight.

"I got to go heos here um I don't think it's going to look as dominant as one-sided as their first fight"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Jan 8, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Cody leans toward Ribas despite the -200 price, citing Dern's inability to chain wrestle and finish submissions over three years. He notes Dern's mental lapses in later rounds and Ribas's forward pressure and power. He suggests a live bet strategy, expecting Ribas to win rounds 3-5 as Dern fades.

live bet on Ribas after round 2
"I'm leaning towards heus but this minus 200 price tag in the first main event of the year I'm not digging it to be honest"
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Jan 9, 2025 (2 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Connor picks Ribas because she has a fundamental technical advantage on the feet and a style that counters Dern's approach. He notes that Dern's striking defense is nonexistent and she cannot land the same strike twice due to poor technique. Ribas is comfortable trading and landing cleaner counters, as seen in their first fight. Dern's path to victory requires a simple aggressive game plan, but she lacks the technical ability to execute it consistently.

"I'm definitely taking Heebush in the rematch."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert
Jan 9, 2025 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Amanda Ribas

Daniel acknowledges Ribas is more technically sound but notes her chinny defect, having been knocked out by multiple opponents. He thinks Ribas will dominate but could get cracked, so he passes on betting. As a pure pick, he goes with Ribas via decision, citing her superior technique and the fact that she usually needs to be finished to lose. He also mentions Dern's improved hands but still favors Ribas.

pass on betting, dog-or-pass situation
"I'm going to go with heos as a pure pick I just think she's more technically sound than McKenzie D in probably every Department"
LU
Lucrative James Expert
Jan 8, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Lucrative James confidently picks Amanda Ribas, having placed a bet at -160. He believes Ribas is better in all facets of MMA, as shown in their first fight. He notes that five rounds favor Ribas's cardio and experience, though Dern's danger (power, submissions) offsets it slightly. He hasn't seen enough improvement from Dern to change the outcome. He also mentions that the line has moved to -200, giving him CLV.

Bet placed at -160, line now -200
"I played Amanda rebass at minus 160 about a week or two ago"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Jan 10, 2025 (1 day before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Ribas is still ahead of Dern and should stop Dern's poor wrestling. Ribas will be more effective and active with her striking, busting up Dern and winning on the scorecards in this rematch from 2019.

"I still believe heos is ahead of where dur is at heos should do a good enough job in terms of stopping the very poor uh wrestling style of D and then from there I think heos can stay more effective and more active with her striking approach and I …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Jan 8, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Paul agrees with Cody, noting Dern's improved focus but still rudimentary wrestling. He highlights Ribas's takedown defense and well-roundedness, and that Dern went 0 for 6 on takedowns in their first fight. He is not excited about -200 but sees Ribas as the rightful favorite.

"I think that uh Amanda heus keeps this standing she's more well-rounded she's been bouncing around from 125 to 115 so this being at 115 um you're going to have full strength full capabilities everything like that for heas I think she's the rifle favorite"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Jan 9, 2025 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Amanda Ribas

The Guru struggles with this pick, initially leaning towards Dern but then recalling that Ribas won the first fight by stuffing takedowns and outstriking Dern. He notes Dern's poor striking and Ribas's suspect chin but ultimately goes with Ribas, predicting a TKO in round 3 or 4. He expresses frustration with the difficulty of the pick.

TKO in round 3 or 4
"ribass won the first fight sorry ribass I'm going with Amanda ribash she stuffed all the takedowns and she beat the [ __ ] out of her let's go Ribas easy"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Jan 9, 2025 (2 days before fight) Confident Amanda Ribas

Zane agrees with Connor, initially seeing an avenue for Dern but concluding that Ribas is the correct pick. He notes that Dern's success comes against opponents terrified of her ground game or those she can outmuscle, but Ribas is not afraid to scrap and will fire back. Dern's lack of technical improvement and inability to finish fights in recent years are key factors. Zane also mentions that Ribas has not changed her style, which works against Dern.

"I'm with you on that. But can't not pick Heebush."
WIN vs Loopy Godinez
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00 · UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov · Aug 03, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Mackenzie Dern 0 72 of 203 35% 103 of 235 2 of 5 40% 0 0 2:45
Loopy Godinez 0 67 of 146 45% 72 of 152 2 of 3 66% 1 1 1:41
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Mackenzie Dern 0 25 of 67 37% 49 of 92 1 of 2 50% 0 0 1:49
Loopy Godinez 0 15 of 38 39% 17 of 41 1 of 1 100% 0 1 0:20
2 Mackenzie Dern 0 24 of 68 35% 27 of 71 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Loopy Godinez 0 24 of 55 43% 24 of 55 1 of 2 50% 1 0 0:45
3 Mackenzie Dern 0 23 of 68 33% 27 of 72 1 of 2 50% 0 0 0:56
Loopy Godinez 0 28 of 53 52% 31 of 56 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:36
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Mackenzie Dern 72 of 203 35% 61 of 188 5 of 6 6 of 9 66 of 195 6 of 8 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 67 of 146 45% 45 of 116 16 of 23 6 of 7 58 of 136 9 of 10 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Mackenzie Dern 25 of 67 37% 22 of 63 1 of 1 2 of 3 24 of 66 1 of 1 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 15 of 38 39% 13 of 33 1 of 4 1 of 1 12 of 35 3 of 3 0 of 0
2 Mackenzie Dern 24 of 68 35% 20 of 62 2 of 3 2 of 3 23 of 66 1 of 2 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 24 of 55 43% 18 of 47 3 of 4 3 of 4 23 of 54 1 of 1 0 of 0
3 Mackenzie Dern 23 of 68 33% 19 of 63 2 of 2 2 of 3 19 of 63 4 of 5 0 of 0
Loopy Godinez 28 of 53 52% 14 of 36 12 of 15 2 of 2 23 of 47 5 of 6 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Mackenzie Dern vs. Lupita Godinez
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dern (-130), Godinez (+110)

Round 1
The final women’s match tonight comes in a sneaky contender fight between savvy grapplers from very different schools. ‘Megaton’ Dias-trained Dern (13-5, 8-5 UFC) is submission-or-bust, while Lobo Gym’s Godinez (12-4, 7-4 UFC) can wrestle with the best of them. It remains to be seen if the woman from Mexico decides to consider the floor lava against the submission specialist. Referee Greg Kleynjans takes control of the cage, commencing the fight between the strawweight talents. They sportingly touch gloves, and Dern leads off with jabs. Godinez gives a few back at her, and Dern mixes in a low kick. Godinez walks Dern down with jabs that have already marked Dern’s nose up, and she gets off a few punches from up close before backing off. Dern slugs her back with a right hand, only to eat a left when backing off. Godinez dips and loops two left hooks at her foe, and she keeps her guard up to block a one-two. Dern kicks low, and Godinez knocks her on her seat with a left hand. Godinez backs off to force Dern to stand, and she picks up where she left off with accurate jabs and a very high guard. Dern shoots in for a double that is easily stuffed, and she pressures “Loopy” to the wall but is turned around and kneed in the face. Godinez breaks off while landing a left, and she absorbs two punches and gives three back. Dern comes up short with a jumping front kick, and Dern races out to put three fists on Godinez’ reddening beak. Godinez misses on her own offense, but she stands Dern up with a left hand when Dern rushes at her. Dern ties her up and hits a sudden body lock takedown, slinging Godinez to the mat and landing in full mount. Godinez bucks and twists, and Dern remains tightly compressed on her foe. Dern briefly considers isolating an arm, and Godinez rolls her over and falls straight into an armbar. Dern locks the limb up and stretches from her back, smacking Godinez with hammerfists when not torqueing the arm. Godinez stays close, but the hammerfists have busted her nose up and blood leaks on Dern’s thigh. Dern abandons the submission and absorbs a flush elbow, with Godinez landing some ground shots before the horn.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern

Round 2
The women clap hands to get going, and they start with alternating jabs. Dern puts a pair of hooks on the forehead, and Godinez knocks her back with power punches that stagger Dern. Godinez pushes her opponent back to the wall, and Dern jumps guard for something but is pressed to the wire and unable to lower herself to the ground. Dern bails on the guard pull and stands, and Godinez backs off. Dern scores a solid right hand to draw additional blood from the nose, and Godinez snaps out a hard jab. Dern strings three punches together that all bounce off the guard as Godinez adjusts her top, and Godinez’ jab is finding its home. Dern follows her own jab with an overhand right, and she connects with another after a few strikes from the Mexican. Dern walks into a left hook as she plods forward, and a front kick comes up short. Dern kicks high, and Godinez snaps her back with a power jab. Dern tries to tie her up, but Godinez wants nothing to do with it and backs Dern off with her laser-like jab. Godinez kicks the body, and Dern catches the kick and goes for a takedown. Dern releases the leg and rifles off four punches, only to get caught with a right hand that shoves her over. Godinez does not follow, again allowing Dern to stand. Dern loads up with a right hand when upright, and she is answered by two leg kicks. Dern jabs her way into action, and Godinez bops her with a left hook. Godinez sneaks a right hand around the guard, and she paws out a left but gets staggered by a one-two from the Jason Parillo student. They trade jabs, and she meets Godinez with a right but takes a clean left. Dern chops at the front leg and pushes out a front kick, and Godinez surprises her with a powerful double that takes Dern off her feet for a moment. Godinez locks onto a standing arm-triangle choke when Dern gets back up, and she pushes heavily with her shoulder and knees her foe in the ribs while clutching it. The horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Godinez
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Godinez
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Godinez

Round 3
There is a final glove touch, and Dern moves to the middle of the Octagon prodding jabs and power punches. Godinez is right there to meet her blow-for-blow, and they are swinging hard. Dern misses with a front kick and gets wobbled with a left hook, and she recovers her footing and gets back to a jab. Godinez lands a combination of punches ending with a leg kick, and she zips out two left hooks to keep Dern honest. Dern has a head kick blocked, and Godinez’s jab finds its mark again and again. A trickle of blood leaks from the corner of Dern’s right eye, and they proceed to trade hands one after the other. Dern uppercuts her way into a double-leg entry from a distance, and she scoops “Loopy” up and deposits her to the floor. Dern lands in side control, and she counter-scrambles when Godinez moves to briefly threaten with a guillotine choke. Godinez kicks her off, and Dern lets her stand up so she can flirt with a standing guillotine choke. Dern wrenches on the neck to use it to lower Godinez to the canvas, but she is unsuccessful. Dern punches to break off, and they reset. Godinez swarms her with multiple left hooks, forcing Dern to rebound off the fence. Dern takes her turn, getting Godinez’ attention with an uppercut in the midst of a salvo of fists. Dern sticks out a front kick that misses the mark, and she parries a jab to jab Dern back in the chest. Godinez connects at the end of a left hook, and she aims two body shots and a left hook after it. Godinez targets the body and opens up a few up top, stepping in with an elbow that brushes past Dern’s hair. Dern slings a hard low kick, and Godinez counters with a left over the top. “Loopy” ties her foe up, and she plants knees on the torso until Dern turns her about. Dern cannot hold Godinez or take her down, and Godinez separates and rushes at her with flailing fists. Godinez shoots at the 10-second mark, and she closes in and knees Dern multiple times. Dern responds with uppercuts, and the clinch is where the close match ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Godinez (29-28 Godinez)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-28 Dern)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-28 Dern)

The Official Result
Mackenzie Dern def. Lupita Godinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Jul 28, 2024 (6 days before fight) Hesitant Loopy Godinez

Angelo picks Godinez but is hesitant due to her notoriously low fight IQ. He thinks she is the better fighter everywhere except BJJ, with better striking, wrestling, and athleticism. He notes Dern's poor takedown accuracy and reliance on toughness. He bet only a quarter unit because he doesn't trust Godinez.

Bet a quarter unit
"I gotta ride with loopy here though... I beted on her but only a quarter of a unit"
BI
Big Brady Expert
Aug 1, 2024 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Loopy Godinez

Big Brady is taking another underdog, citing Godinez's superior wrestling and boxing on the feet. He notes Dern has poor takedown accuracy (15%) and cannot take Godinez down, while Godinez should keep the fight standing and outpoint Dern. However, he admits he doesn't trust Godinez either, calling it a weird fight.

"give me loopy here in this one uh kind of how I see this fight playing out is you know lupy is going to be the much better wrestler by a mile"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight) Lean Loopy Godinez

Cody picks Loopy Godinez, citing her superior boxing and wrestling. He notes that Dern has poor takedown accuracy and has been roughed up on the feet recently. Cody thinks Godinez can stuff takedowns and win a volume decision. However, he acknowledges Dern's ability to create scrambles and capitalize on mistakes, so he's not fully confident. He mentions that Godinez is a slight underdog and that women's MMA is volatile.

"I'll stick with the favorite here ly godas but it's going to be lower on the list this week."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Aug 1, 2024 (2 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

Godinez should avoid the clinch and use footwork to out-strike Dern, stuffing takedowns. She should land better damage and win on the scorecards.

"I'm hoping that godz learned from her last match up against Jan Roba where she is not going to engage in the clinch whatsoever utilize her footwork to really touch up D and really stopped the takedowns the poor takedown attempts of McKenzie dur and that should allowed godz to …"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight) Lean Loopy Godinez

Paul picks Loopy Godinez, noting that she is the better striker and can avoid Dern's grappling. He thinks Godinez's volume and takedown defense should be enough to win a decision. Paul acknowledges Dern's scrambling ability but believes Godinez can stay away and win on the feet. He also mentions that Godinez went the distance with Virna Jandiroba, which looks good in hindsight.

"I'll side with lupy on the on volume and just don't engage stay away at all costs and you should be able to you know win a volume based decision here."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Jul 30, 2024 (4 days before fight) Confident Loopy Godinez

The MMA Guru picks Loopy Godinez over Mackenzie Dern, citing Dern's lack of seriousness and Godinez's activity and better striking. He thinks Godinez can scramble and keep the fight on the feet, where she has a technical advantage. He notes Godinez has good takedown defense and works her way back up. He mentions she might be an underdog and likes that.

"I'll go with Lupita godinez I just don't think D takes her career as serious"
LOSS vs Amanda Lemos
Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) R3 5:00 · UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria · Feb 17, 2024
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Amanda Lemos 1 41 of 80 51% 47 of 86 2 of 2 100% 0 0 4:02
Mackenzie Dern 0 21 of 54 38% 50 of 85 1 of 3 33% 0 2 6:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Amanda Lemos 0 11 of 23 47% 11 of 23 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Mackenzie Dern 0 8 of 22 36% 19 of 33 1 of 1 100% 0 0 2:45
2 Amanda Lemos 1 24 of 51 47% 27 of 54 1 of 1 100% 0 0 2:09
Mackenzie Dern 0 8 of 24 33% 11 of 28 0 of 1 0% 0 1 0:30
3 Amanda Lemos 0 6 of 6 100% 9 of 9 1 of 1 100% 0 0 1:53
Mackenzie Dern 0 5 of 8 62% 20 of 24 0 of 1 0% 0 1 2:45
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Amanda Lemos 41 of 80 51% 26 of 62 8 of 10 7 of 8 24 of 56 1 of 2 16 of 22
Mackenzie Dern 21 of 54 38% 21 of 51 0 of 2 0 of 1 13 of 42 0 of 1 8 of 11
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Amanda Lemos 11 of 23 47% 4 of 15 3 of 4 4 of 4 11 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 8 of 22 36% 8 of 20 0 of 2 0 of 0 4 of 18 0 of 0 4 of 4
2 Amanda Lemos 24 of 51 47% 17 of 42 4 of 5 3 of 4 12 of 32 1 of 2 11 of 17
Mackenzie Dern 8 of 24 33% 8 of 23 0 of 0 0 of 1 8 of 22 0 of 1 0 of 1
3 Amanda Lemos 6 of 6 100% 5 of 5 1 of 1 0 of 0 1 of 1 0 of 0 5 of 5
Mackenzie Dern 5 of 8 62% 5 of 8 0 of 0 0 of 0 1 of 2 0 of 0 4 of 6
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Amanda Lemos vs. Mackenzie Dern
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Lemos (-130), Dern (+110)

Round 1
Power striker meets submission grappler in the preliminary headliner in a match that could easily headline some random Fight Night event at the Apex or in Salt Lake City, for example. The heavy-handed Lemos (13-3-1, 7-3 UFC) would like nothing more than to replicate the recent success that Jessica Andrade had against Dern (13-4, 8-4 UFC), and she will have 15 minutes or less to get that done. There is a quick acknowledgement in the form of a clap of hands between the strawweights as referee Mike Beltran watches on. Lemos reaches out first with a left hook, and Dern races forward with reckless punches. Lemos blasts her in the body with a kick, and Dern eats a one-two that makes her smile. Lemos spins around and darts in and out to not get trapped by Dern, and she beats the grappler to the punch with a short combination and strafes to the side to escape any counter. Dern swarms forward with inaccurate punches, and her leg buckles as a couple low kicks from Lemos have done some serious damage already. Dern stays on her feet, and she parries a front kick but absorbs a clean calf kick that spins her all the way around. Dern absorbs another flush body kick on her way in, and Lemos is seeing everything thrown her way and avoiding practically all of the strikes. Lemos overswings with a right hand, and Dern’s eyes light up as she shoots in for a double and takes Lemos clean off her feet. Dern climbs into side control, with her hips against the cage, until she starts isolating an arm-triangle choke. Dern gives up the choke so she can claim mount, and Lemos fights off the positional change to keep Dern in half guard. Lemos drag herself against the cage so she can sit up, and Dern smacks her in the face with a number of left hands before pulling Lemos back down. Dern looks to trap Lemos’ arm down so she can step over for a potential crucifix or arm-triangle, and Lemos wriggles it free and threatens with a low-percentage choke off her back. Dern completely ignores it, and Lemos gets a butterfly hook in so she can push Dern off of her. Lemos elevates Dern but is unable to sweep her fully, and she hangs on to end the round that could go either way depending on what is valued greater.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Lemos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Lemos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern

Round 2
The ladies meet in the middle and clap hands to start off the second round, and Lemos leads off with a thudding body kick. Lemos kicks the other side with her lead leg, and she pushes out a front kick that Dern swats away. Lemos hacks at the lead leg, and Dern stumbles forward and swings her fists. Lemos counters with a brilliant right hand to stun Dern completely and drop her to her knees. As Dern gets up, she turns her back to get away. Lemos chases after her and drills her with a few punches until Dern falls to the ground. Dern climbs back up, and Lemos storms forward with a bombardment of punches. As Lemos lays into her, a few particularly nasty punches smash into her face, and Dern crumbles to her back in serious pain from either her nose or orbital. Lemos hammers her with fists, and Beltran is watching closely but he does not wave the fight off as Dern ties her up. Lemos backs off, and she allows Dern to get back up after dodging a few upkicks. Dern’s right eye swells up and is in a bad way as she gets to her feet, and Lemos is complacent for a second as Dern cracks her in the face with an overhand right. Dern takes a breath, and Lemos chops down the tree again with a kick that nearly fells her opponent. Dern gathers her thoughts and dodges a leg kick by a matter of inches. Lemos winds up with a right hook, and she hurts Dern again but does not slow her. Dern plods forward in pursuit of a takedown, and Lemos bounces off the wall and reverses her to put Dern on her back. Dern welcomes this, so she can set up an armbar off her back practically as soon as she hits the ground. Dern uses the posture to sweep “Amandinha,” and she clings to Lemos and lands a single punch before the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Lemos
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-8 Lemos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Lemos

Round 3
The two women embrace to start off the last round, and Dern is fired up despite the serious damage shown on her face. Dern attacks with a huge right hand, and a shocked Lemos bounces off the cage and hits the ground. Lemos jumps back up, and Dern sprints towards her for a takedown attempt. Lemos turns her around like the last round to dump Dern on her back, and Dern pulls guard to make sure they hit the ground. Dern attempts an armbar to surprise her opponent, and she pulls on the fence and is warned for it. Lemos punches her way out of it, and Dern transitions to a leglock. Lemos keeps her weight down to stifle the leglock, but Dern turns to the side and isolates it to attempt a kneebar. Lemos crosses her legs to thwart the sub attempt, and Dern uses the opportunity to shift over to the top. Dern releases the leglock so she can indeed get on top, and she hops into mount before moving to half guard on the other side. Dern smothers in top position, keeping Lemos stuck on her back while opening up with punches. A desperate Lemos sits up, but Dern is quick to drag her down and turn her so that she cannot wall-walk. Dern drives down a right hand, and Lemos calmly works her back to her feet. Dern snags hold of a single, and Lemos circles around and continues to fight on the floor with the acclaimed grappler. Lemos stacks Dern up and slugs her in the face a few times, and she fights off one final leglock effort as the horn sounds. Scorecards could go either way, and a draw might even be in play.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-27 Lemos)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Dern (29-27 Lemos)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern (28-28)

The Official Result
Amanda Lemos def. Mackenzie Dern via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Feb 11, 2024 (6 days before fight) Confident Amanda Lemos

Angelo picks Amanda Lemos, citing her superior striking and takedown defense. He rants about Mackenzie Dern's poor wrestling and 14% takedown accuracy, despite her elite BJJ. He notes Lemos is coming off a bad loss but believes her takedown defense is more than enough to keep the fight standing. He calls the odds fantastic.

"Amanda lamos is going to be the pick I think the odds at minus 125 based on the rant I just went on are fantastic odds"
BI
Big Brady Expert
Feb 13, 2024 (4 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern as a dog but with very low confidence. He notes Dern's inconsistency, looking great against Angela Hill but terrible against Jessica Andrade. He thinks if Dern gets the fight to the ground, she can submit Lemos, who has been tapped before. He says he won't bet this fight and is staying far away, but as a pick he goes with Dern by submission.

Dern by submission
"I'm gonna take dur here as a dog as far as a pick goes I'll say she Subs lamos but I can't trust either of these Fighters"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Feb 14, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Cody agrees with Paul, noting Dern's durability and BJJ threat. He mentions that Lemos could get a knockout, but Dern has shown she can take bombs. He believes Dern only needs one takedown to close the show. He picks Dern moneyline without chasing props.

"I like d as well but yeah I I don't even think I'm going to chase a prop on this one cuz um I see both pass to Victory..."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert 2 video updates
Latest Feb 14, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Lemos

Daniel picks Amanda Lemos hard, despite being a fan of Mackenzie Dern's grappling style. He thinks Dern won't be able to get the fight to the ground due to Lemos' strength, good boxing, and takedown defense. He also cites Dern's short notice and Lemos' reach advantage. He believes Lemos should be a -200 favorite and is all in on her.

"we're going Lemos hard uh and and this is coming from maybe one of the preeminent uh McKenzie dur fans... I think LMO should be a negative 200 favorite here or better like negative 130 just not high enough I'm all in on on LMO."
Feb 13, 2024 (4 days before fight) No clear pick

Daniel Vreeland does not make a clear pick, calling it a coin flip. He notes Lemos's power and leg kick potential but is concerned about her tendency to flop to her back, as seen against Zhang. He acknowledges Dern's elite BJJ but questions her wrestling and striking. He stays away from betting on this fight.

"I'm staying away from this one."
JE
Jeff Fox Expert
Feb 14, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Amanda Lemos

Jeff picks Amanda Lemos, calling it a good number. He notes that Dern struggles with her wrestling and striking, and doesn't look great on the feet. He points out that Lemos just fought for the belt and has a reach advantage. He thinks Lemos should be a -200 favorite or better, so -130 is a good price.

"lamos is is the pick good number on this fight as well."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Feb 15, 2024 (2 days before fight) Confident Amanda Lemos

Lemos is a dangerous power puncher who can keep Dern at bay. Dern is inconsistent and unable to complete takedowns. Expects Lemos to find a knockout in the second round.

"I expect her power to come through once again for her as she keeps D at Bay and eventually finds that knockout in the second round"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Feb 14, 2024 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul picks Dern, citing her superior Jiu-Jitsu and improved striking. He notes Lemos' low volume and 55% takedown defense, which could allow Dern to get the fight to the ground. He highlights Dern's durability and cardio, and believes she can outwork Lemos on the feet or submit her. He sees value at plus money.

"I got D yeah."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Feb 13, 2024 (4 days before fight) Confident Amanda Lemos

The MMA Guru picks Amanda Lemos, calling her a dangerous power puncher and criticizing Mackenzie Dern's striking as nonexistent. He believes Lemos will have improved her grappling defense after being dominated by Zhang Weili. He predicts a brutal TKO stoppage in round one, stating Dern has never practiced striking for MMA.

"Amanda Lemos gets it done TKO... Dern has never practiced striking for MMA in her entire life."
TKO (punches) R2 3:15 · UFC 295: Prochazka vs. Pereira · Nov 11, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Jéssica Andrade 4 53 of 107 49% 53 of 107 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:13
Mackenzie Dern 0 49 of 114 42% 50 of 115 0 of 4 0% 0 0 0:00
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Jéssica Andrade 1 27 of 50 54% 27 of 50 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:04
Mackenzie Dern 0 24 of 57 42% 25 of 58 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
2 Jéssica Andrade 3 26 of 57 45% 26 of 57 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:09
Mackenzie Dern 0 25 of 57 43% 25 of 57 0 of 1 0% 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Jéssica Andrade 53 of 107 49% 27 of 76 7 of 9 19 of 22 43 of 90 6 of 12 4 of 5
Mackenzie Dern 49 of 114 42% 38 of 100 6 of 9 5 of 5 47 of 109 2 of 5 0 of 0
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Jéssica Andrade 27 of 50 54% 10 of 29 5 of 7 12 of 14 18 of 37 5 of 8 4 of 5
Mackenzie Dern 24 of 57 42% 15 of 46 4 of 6 5 of 5 23 of 55 1 of 2 0 of 0
2 Jéssica Andrade 26 of 57 45% 17 of 47 2 of 2 7 of 8 25 of 53 1 of 4 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 25 of 57 43% 23 of 54 2 of 3 0 of 0 24 of 54 1 of 3 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Jessica Andrade vs. Mackenzie Dern
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dern (-198), Andrade (+164)

Round 1
A crossroads fight looms for these two strawweights wanting to make either another run in the case of Andrade (24-12, 15-10 UFC) or their first run in the case of Dern (13-3, 8-3 UFC) at the throne. The former champ has struggled as of late, dropping three in a row this year, while Dern has alternated wins and losses in her last five. Two women enter, one woman leaves. Referee Keith Peterson will keep tabs and eject nonsense from the featured fight of the night, one that begins with a sporting glove touch. Dern pushes out a jab early and a few front kicks to the belly, and Andrade ignores anything that comes her way as she keeps a poker face and slowly walks forward. Dern strafes to the side and pecks at Andrade with low kicks, and they crash together and Dern looks to throw her to the ground with a head lock. Andrade hits the mat and scrambles immediately, where she gets up and prepares to strike. Dern kicks, and Andrade catches it and backs her off with a right hand. Andrade comes up short with a few punches, and a leg kick. Dern plants her own leg kick on the thigh, and she swings for the fences and engages in a brief brawl with the former champ. Dern ducks down and sticks out a right hand, and Andrade parries it and catches a front kick. Andrade lets fly a leg kick, and she gets backed off by a series of punches from the jiu-jitsu player. Andrade lets Dern fall to the ground while flurrying, and she eats a strike on the way down before climbing back up. “Bate Estaca” connects with leg kicks and drills her in the side of the head with two hooks, as Dern’s striking liabilities are allowing her to eat shots. Dern is wide-eyed and jabbing, and Andrade continues to work Dern’s lead leg over with heavy kicks. Dern pierces out a one-two and shoots low for a single, and Andrade backs off and defends the submission. Andrade walks her down and blasts her in the face with a right hand, and Dern falls to the mat and attempts a desperation takedown as the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Andrade
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Andrade
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Andrade

Round 2
The second round kicks off with a one-two from Dern, and she follows with another but gets tagged with a right hand on the way out. Andrade chains the counter with a pair of leg kicks, and Dern thinks about changing stances but elects to keep her left foot forward so she can jab her way into a takedown entry. Andrade gets out of the way and jabs her back, and she whiffs on an uppercut when Dern ducks down. Andrade continues chipping away at calf kicks, and Dern flies off-balance again when striking. Dern lashes out with a four-punch salvo, and Andrade coolly dodges the worst of them and comes back up top. Dern lands first, but Andrade lands last. Dern lumbers forward and gets in a left hand over the top, and she tries for a takedown but gets clubbed in the side of the head with a left. Dern’s legs give way beneath her, and Andrade lets her stand up so she can let Dern try to strike with her. Dern does just that, and Andrade lays into her with a fierce barrage of punches and low kicks to bust up Dern’s nose. Dern unloads with everything she has, and Andrade counters her brilliantly with a right hand that sets Dern down to the ground again. Andrade walks off, expecting that Peterson will step in, but Dern is still barely with it and is allowed to get up. As “Bate Estaca” lets her back up, Dern gets her bearings slightly, only for her balance to betray her as her knees wobble like a newborn deer as she backs to the wall. Andrade calmly strides forward, knowing the finish is right around the corner, and she unloads with a jab, a power left hook and jackhammering right straight that puts Dern down once and for all. Dern flops to her back like a fainting goat, almost looking like she was betrayed by her team and the referee for allowing the fight to continue, and Peterson has seen more than enough. The losing streak for the former champion has ended violently, and Andrade shows the division she is still a factor as she becomes the first woman to finish the star grappler in MMA.

The Official Result
Jessica Andrade def. Mackenzie Dern R2 3:15 via TKO (Punches)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Nov 5, 2023 (6 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Angelo picks Dern, citing her improved striking and elite BJJ. He notes Andrade's takedown defense is poor and Dern can pull guard or climb for submissions. He already bet a full unit on Dern at -177 and is confident she gets it done.

bet 1 unit at -177
"I'm going to trust McKenzie dur here I think she gets it done I threw a full unit on her at Min - 177."
BI
Big Brady Expert
Nov 6, 2023 (5 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern to win by first-round submission. He believes Dern is improving her wrestling and striking, while Andrade is on a decline and doesn't seem to care anymore. He notes Andrade has been easily submitted recently by top grapplers, and Dern is the best grappler in the division. Brady thinks one takedown from Dern will end the fight quickly.

Dern by submission in the first round
"Give me Dern, I think she does care and I think her ground game's really good and I'll say she subs her in the first round."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Nov 8, 2023 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Cody picks Dern, noting Andrade's recent decline and disinterest in fights. He highlights Dern's improvements in striking and wrestling under Henry Cejudo, and her durability. He believes Dern can win on the feet or on the ground, and that Andrade's best path (wrestling) is nullified by Dern's BJJ.

"I think D is the rightful fave minus 190 don't love it but um but yeah that's my pick"
LU
Lucrative James Expert
Nov 7, 2023 (4 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

James picks Mackenzie Dern to win, though he is annoyed at the -200 price. He thinks Andrade has stylistic advantages on the feet with more power, but Dern has durability, pace, and grappling to offset that. He believes Dern only needs one takedown to dominate and finish, and Andrade has been finished in her last three losses. He suggests playing Dern inside the distance rather than moneyline.

Inside the distance recommended; notes Andrade rarely loses by decision.
"I think that McKenzie Dern is going to win the fight."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Nov 7, 2023 (4 days before fight) Confident Jéssica Andrade

Andrade's power will be the difference. Dern has never been hit by someone with Andrade's power and will struggle to close distance. Andrade will stuff takedowns and make Dern pay every time she crashes the pocket. Expects Andrade to land big strikes and potentially find a knockout victory in the first or second round. The line at +165 is a value due to recency bias from Dern's win over Hill.

knockout victory in round 1 or 2
"I'm actually going to be taking Andra for the upset in this spot"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Nov 8, 2023 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul agrees, emphasizing Andrade's regression and Dern's upward trajectory. He notes Andrade has looked flat and disinterested, while Dern is coming into her prime with improved cardio and focus. He thinks Dern wins wherever the fight goes, and that Andrade's wrestling won't be enough.

"I actually agree... D is coming into her own and becoming a legitimate contender"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Nov 6, 2023 (5 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The MMA Guru picks Mackenzie Dern, believing Andrade is on a losing streak and has lost confidence. He notes Dern's improved grappling and boxing, citing her dominant win over Angela Hill. He predicts Dern will submit Andrade in round two, as Andrade has been vulnerable on her back recently.

submission in round 2
"I'm going to go with McKenzie D getting a submission here over Jessica Andra in round two"
WIN vs Angela Hill
Decision (unanimous) (49–43, 49–44, 49–44) R5 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill · May 20, 2023
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Mackenzie Dern 1 126 of 210 60% 247 of 340 3 of 9 33% 0 0 13:12
Angela Hill 0 66 of 108 61% 94 of 142 0 of 0 --- 0 0 7:11
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Mackenzie Dern 1 23 of 42 54% 37 of 57 0 of 1 0% 0 0 3:08
Angela Hill 0 12 of 16 75% 15 of 24 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:02
2 Mackenzie Dern 0 22 of 49 44% 31 of 58 0 of 3 0% 0 0 0:00
Angela Hill 0 27 of 40 67% 41 of 54 0 of 0 --- 0 0 3:33
3 Mackenzie Dern 0 30 of 39 76% 70 of 82 1 of 2 50% 0 0 3:23
Angela Hill 0 1 of 8 12% 3 of 10 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:04
4 Mackenzie Dern 0 24 of 50 48% 34 of 60 1 of 2 50% 0 0 2:03
Angela Hill 0 23 of 38 60% 31 of 46 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:32
5 Mackenzie Dern 0 27 of 30 90% 75 of 83 1 of 1 100% 0 0 4:38
Angela Hill 0 3 of 6 50% 4 of 8 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:00
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Mackenzie Dern 126 of 210 60% 104 of 186 18 of 20 4 of 4 58 of 132 19 of 22 49 of 56
Angela Hill 66 of 108 61% 27 of 65 39 of 42 0 of 1 35 of 74 30 of 31 1 of 3
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Mackenzie Dern 23 of 42 54% 19 of 37 4 of 5 0 of 0 12 of 30 5 of 6 6 of 6
Angela Hill 12 of 16 75% 5 of 9 7 of 7 0 of 0 8 of 12 3 of 3 1 of 1
2 Mackenzie Dern 22 of 49 44% 13 of 40 7 of 7 2 of 2 17 of 42 5 of 7 0 of 0
Angela Hill 27 of 40 67% 10 of 22 17 of 18 0 of 0 9 of 22 18 of 18 0 of 0
3 Mackenzie Dern 30 of 39 76% 29 of 38 1 of 1 0 of 0 6 of 11 0 of 0 24 of 28
Angela Hill 1 of 8 12% 1 of 6 0 of 1 0 of 1 1 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 2
4 Mackenzie Dern 24 of 50 48% 16 of 41 6 of 7 2 of 2 15 of 41 9 of 9 0 of 0
Angela Hill 23 of 38 60% 10 of 24 13 of 14 0 of 0 14 of 28 9 of 10 0 of 0
5 Mackenzie Dern 27 of 30 90% 27 of 30 0 of 0 0 of 0 8 of 8 0 of 0 19 of 22
Angela Hill 3 of 6 50% 1 of 4 2 of 2 0 of 0 3 of 6 0 of 0 0 of 0
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Mackenzie Dern vs. Angela Hill
BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dern (-170), Hill (+145)

Round 1
A place among the top 10 looms for the victor of this headlining strawweight tilt, in a cliched but accurate grappler vs. striker affair. With the majority of her wins coming by submission, Dern (12-3, 7-3 UFC) wants to get her hand raised at all costs to keep any championship hopes alive for the foreseeable future. On the other side of the equation, fan-favorite “Overkill” Hill (15-12, 10-12 UFC) is one significant strike away from passing Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the most landed of any female fighter to enter the Octagon. Something’s gotta give in this final fight of the card, and it will play out after the final instructions are given by referee Jason Herzog. There is intensity but plenty of respect, as the women bump their fists together before preparing to engage. Dern loads up immediately with fierce fists, and Hill is surprised by the sudden power coming her direction. Dern punches her way into a clinch, and Hill pushes her back to the wall but does not want to be locked up here. Dern grinds her elbow on her foe’s face, and they jockey for position in the clinch. Hill drives a knee to the body, and Dern responds with one to break free. Dern swings with all her might and hurts Hill with wild hooks, and she looks to throw Hill to the ground when they get close. Dern lands on her back in the process, and she activates her offensive guard and looks for a submission. Hill escapes smoothly, but Dern follows her and busts her in the chops with a left hand. A shocked hill hits her seat, and Dern instantly gloms onto her and looks to take her back while Hill is still clearing the cobwebs. Hill turns to her back, and leans up against the fence to keep leverage and protect herself from further harm. Dern steps through to half guard, and she looks to pass to the side or mount. Hill kicks her off and uses upkicks to keep her honest, and she hooks her toes in the fence. Dern drops down for a kneebar or a toe hold. Hill fights it off, but Dern secure full mount with seconds to spare, Dern batters Hill with elbows and punches, and she sets up an armbar with 20 seconds on the clock. Hill defends with every bit of energy, and she grits it out wildly before the horn saves “Overkill.”

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Dern
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Dern
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Dern

Round 2
Dern begins the second round confidently, and her big right hand immediately clips Hill. Hill welcomes the brawl, and Dern kicks her in the midsection and charges at her with flailing fists. Hill escapes one clinch, and Dern is following her relentlessly with heavy swings. Hill lets her overswing to take Dern’s back, and this slows Dern down and stops her from hitting her in the face repeatedly. Hill grinds from the side and back, getting in an occasional right hand and knee while forcing Dern to carry her weight. Hill grips her arm around Dern’s jaw and releases it at the right moment to knee her in the face, and Dern gets her back to the wall and knees in response. The two trade knees, and Herzog asks them to keep working. Hill lands knees to the body and an elbow on the break, and she backs off. Dern throws with bad intentions, and Hill’s head movement keeps her face from a long exchange. Dern sits down on a leg kick, and the two clinch up again. Hill grinds her opponent up against the cage, with knees to the midsection and short left hands getting in. Dern looks for a throw but is shut down, and they knee one another in the chest. Hill stays more active with knees, and she dings Dern with a right hand before they split up. Dern punches her way forward, and gets popped with an overhand right. Hill shucks off a takedown attempt, and she pushes Dern to the wall as the round ends.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Hill
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Hill

Round 3
The strawweight contenders meet in the middle of the age, and Dern leads off with a right hand and a high kick. When Dern attempts another kick, Hill knocks her off her feet, and “Overkill” willingly climbs into the guard. Dern throws her legs up high to set up a triangle choke, and Hill smartly stacks Dern up and shuts it down. Dern transitions to an armbar, and Hill backs off and stands up. Dern follows her, and she drives a knee on the chin that hurts Hill and puts her on baby deer legs. Dern attempts to throw a wobbled Hill down to the ground, and Hill winds up on top and fights her way up to her feet, possibly on autopilot after the hammering blow. Dern looks for another throw, and this time, she drags Hill to the floor and climbs into mount with three minutes to go. Hill turns to her stomach, and Dern allows her to do this so she can elbow and punch Hill in the side of the head. Hill looks to push her feet off the fence to protect herself, and she kicks off at the right time to roll to her knees. Dern muscles her back down again, and she unleashes fierce ground-and-pound as she traps Hill on her side. Hill shells up and posts off the wall, and Dern follows her and continues pummeling her with elbows and punches. Dern kiais every time she lands a strike, and these blows are not light and Hill is eating them or blocking them to little effect. Dern rides and batters Hill with left hands, screaming with every blow, and Hill scrambles but winds up in the armbar. With 30 seconds left, Dern softens Hill up with a few hammerfists and leans to her back to extend the arm. Dern cannot break the grip before time expires, and Hill has once more been saved by the bell.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Dern
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-8 Dern
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Dern

Round 4
Between rounds, Hill’s left eye swells up significantly, and it is closing fast. Despite this, she is good to go in the championship rounds. Dern slams her fists into Hill’s face to start off again, and she stings Hill and forces a tie-up. Hill presses her tightly to the fence, slowing the offense for a time. Dern uses a few elbows to get some space and considers a head lock throw, but Hill breaks away courtesy of a few punches. Dern trades hands with her foe, and Hill is not taking the punches well. “Overkill” clinches her up to not getting tagged, and Dern breaks with a fierce elbow. Dern hammers the lead leg with a few kicks, and she initiates a clinch to take the fight down. Hill turns her around before this materializes, and another stalemate ensues with knees to the body coming from both women. Dern looks to hook the leg or drag her down, and she forces Hill to carry her body weight. Hill spins her around with a frenzied effort, and Dern backs her off with a stern elbow. Hill the strikes on the chin, and Hill looks for a takedown and gets thrown awkwardly to her back, while hanging onto Dern from behind. Dern turns her around, and Hill hangs on with an arm-triangle choke from her back. The horn sounds with Dern in no danger from the submission setup.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern

Round 5
The fighters have reached the final frame, and Hill’s eye is greatly swollen but not in danger of stopping the fight. She engages in a brief slugfest to start things off, and Dern catches her with a few punches and throws Hill to her back. Hill closes her guard, and Dern stacks her up and grinds an elbow on the chin to open it up. Hill reaches her legs up high and hopes to wrap them over a shoulder, and she gets her toes in the fence and even considers an armbar. Dern is wise to it and powers through it, and she moves to side control at the three-minute mark. Dern steps over to grab hold of Hill’s left arm, and she lets it go to hurt Hill with elbows. Hill turns to her side, smothered by the active Dern, and Dern traps her and elbows her repeatedly. Dern takes the back and looks for an armbar, but she flattens Hill out and punches her on both sides of the head. Dern gets both hooks in from behind, and she steps over to full mount and hammerfists Hill with no way out. Try as she might, Hill cannot get out, and Dern clobbers her with a long series of elbows. Hill holds on and moves enough to stave off referee intervention, and Dern beats on her right until the bitter end. Hill has reached the final horn, in what may be a moral victory after a fairly brutal drubbing. The victorious Dern earns her third stripe on her black belt from father, “Megaton” Dias. With her striking improving dramatically, Dern is an immediate top contender in the strawweight division. While the top echelon of the division is so jam-packed, Dern asks for a matchup against former champion Rose Namajunas. If that happens, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern (49-44 Dern)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dern (49-44 Dern)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dern (49-44 Dern)

The Official Result
Mackenzie Dern def. Angela Hill via Unanimous Decision (49-43, 49-44, 49-44)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
May 14, 2023 (6 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Angelo picks Mackenzie Dern because the fight is now five rounds, which benefits Dern's dangerous grappling and cardio. He notes that Dern never quits and the extra time gives her more chances to catch Angela Hill. He expects a close fight but believes Dern's finishing ability is the difference. He plans to bet on Dern by inside the distance (decision no action) if the odds are better than -350.

Plan to bet on Mackenzie Dern inside the distance (decision no action) if odds better than -350
"I like MacKenzie during to win this fight because it's five rounds I do think it's gonna be close I don't think MacKenzie's gonna get a quick takedown and then submit Angela Hill"
BI
Big Brady Expert
May 12, 2023 (8 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern to submit Angela Hill, possibly in any round. He notes Dern is younger, improving her striking and wrestling, and has a huge advantage on the ground. He believes Dern will eventually get a takedown and submit Hill, similar to how Randa Markos submitted Hill. He acknowledges Hill's takedown defense is good but thinks Dern's pressure and power will wear her down over five rounds.

submission
"the pick is Dern s are around it could be in any or any round but I'll just say Dern sub for this one I think she submits Angela Hill"
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight) Confident Angela Hill

Cody argues that Mackenzie Dern's takedown success is inconsistent, especially in five-round fights, and she lacks striking volume. He notes Dern's poor striking defense and low output, while Angela Hill has excellent volume, cardio, and submission defense. He sees Hill winning by outworking Dern on the feet over five rounds.

"I'm gonna pick Angela Hill and fit it in on the parlay at some point."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Connor picks Dern despite acknowledging Hill's advantages over five rounds. He argues that Dern's hyper-aggressive grappling and ability to create instant submission threats from awkward positions will give her chances early, and that Hill hasn't faced a grappler with that kind of venom. He admits that if Dern doesn't finish in the first round and a half, Hill likely wins, but he can't shake the image of Dern wrapping up a leg for a quick submission.

Dern opened at -170, currently -166; Hill opened at +150, currently +160. Connor notes the odds are essentially even.
"I'm gonna take Dern. But you have laid out a great argument for Hill in the five rounds and give me huge pause because yeah if it doesn't happen for Dern in the first round and a half, Hill wins."
DA
Daniel Levi Expert
May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight) Lean Mackenzie Dern

Daniel Levi leans toward Mackenzie Dern but is not confident. He acknowledges Dern's elite BJJ and submission threat, but questions her takedown offense (11% accuracy, less than 1 takedown per 15 minutes) and striking defense. He notes Angela Hill has 77% takedown defense and hasn't been submitted since 2019, and that strikers like Yan Xiaonan and Marina Rodriguez survived Dern's ground game. He sees Hill as superior on the feet and thinks the blueprint to beat Dern exists. Ultimately, he picks Dern via submission but says it's a 'dog or pass' situation and there's no value at -175.

Dern via submission; no bet due to lack of value at -175
"I guess it's a dog or pass situation... I'll go with Dern to find something along the way or possibly Bank three of these rounds"
LU
Lucrative James Expert
May 16, 2023 (4 days before fight) Hesitant Angela Hill

James sees this as a 50-50 fight but favors Angela Hill due to the plus-160 line, which he believes offers value. He notes that Hill has above-average takedown defense and will likely keep the fight standing, where she can outpoint Dern. However, he acknowledges Dern's submission threat and the possibility of Dern winning via decision if she gets takedowns in three rounds. He is hesitant and not fully committed to betting Hill yet, considering hedging with Dern submission.

Angela Hill via decision considered as a potential play; may hedge with Dern submission; plus-160 line mentioned
"I'm actually gonna side with Angela Hill I'm gonna say Andrew Hill gets it on Via decision but like I said it's about 50 50 fight so it's very hard for me to give an outright prediction"
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
May 15, 2023 (5 days before fight) Lean Angela Hill

The host leans toward Angela Hill but is the least confident on this fight. He thinks Hill's footwork, output, and takedown defense could allow her to batter Dern on the feet and win by decision. He notes Dern could also win quickly by submission if she gets takedowns. He suggests a round 4 or 5 decision prop but says he won't put money on either side.

round 4 or 5 decision prop
"I'm gonna lean with the striker here though I'm gonna go with the footwork the output and hopefully decent enough takedown defense here from Angela Hill"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight) Lean Angela Hill

Paul agrees with Cody, noting that the betting lines suggest a striking affair. He points out that Dern's takedown line is low (1 takedown) and that Hill's takedown defense has been adequate against good grapplers. He sees value in Hill at +150 and expects her to win a striking decision.

"plus 150 here Angela Hill seems like a very very reasonable dog shot."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
May 16, 2023 (4 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The MMA Guru picks Mackenzie Dern, believing her grappling will be the difference in a five-round fight. He notes Dern is younger (30 vs 38) and still improving, while Angela Hill rarely finishes. He expects the fight to hit the ground at some point, citing Michelle Waterson's success in taking Hill down. He predicts Dern will win by submission in round three, as her BJJ is a major threat.

submission in round three
"I'm gonna side with MacKenzie Dunn in this matchup ... I've got Mackenzie done by Sub in round three"
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
May 18, 2023 (2 days before fight) Confident Angela Hill

Zane picks Angela Hill because he believes Dern's only path to victory is early submission, and over five rounds Hill's superior striking and improved defensive grappling will allow her to survive early scares and take over. He notes that Hill has refined her striking to be more efficient and can maintain a winning pace, while Dern's chances drop off precipitously as the fight goes on. He also points out that Hill's clinch work could punish Dern for trying to tie up.

Dern opened at -170, currently -166; Hill opened at +150, currently +160. Zane notes the odds are essentially even and expects them to get tighter.
"I'm gonna pick Angela Hill. I think she could get herself into trouble with her clinching... but she's gonna eat a ton of jab, she's gonna get picked apart."
LOSS vs Yan Xiaonan
Decision (majority) (48–47, 48–47, 47–47) R5 5:00 · UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan · Oct 01, 2022
Totals
FighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
Yan Xiaonan 0 61 of 151 40% 224 of 339 2 of 11 18% 2 2 9:19
Mackenzie Dern 0 113 of 195 57% 151 of 240 0 of 0 --- 0 0 4:11
Per Round
RdFighterKDSig. Str.Sig. Str. % Total Str.TDTD % Sub. AttRev.Ctrl
1 Yan Xiaonan 0 16 of 42 38% 19 of 45 0 of 4 0% 0 1 1:01
Mackenzie Dern 0 28 of 52 53% 38 of 62 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:16
2 Yan Xiaonan 0 9 of 15 60% 56 of 78 0 of 0 --- 2 1 2:44
Mackenzie Dern 0 8 of 9 88% 17 of 18 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:50
3 Yan Xiaonan 0 18 of 45 40% 22 of 49 1 of 4 25% 0 0 0:12
Mackenzie Dern 0 32 of 66 48% 32 of 66 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:24
4 Yan Xiaonan 0 14 of 38 36% 30 of 54 0 of 2 0% 0 0 0:47
Mackenzie Dern 0 38 of 56 67% 49 of 67 0 of 0 --- 0 0 1:28
5 Yan Xiaonan 0 4 of 11 36% 97 of 113 1 of 1 100% 0 0 4:35
Mackenzie Dern 0 7 of 12 58% 15 of 27 0 of 0 --- 0 0 0:13
Significant Strikes
FighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
Yan Xiaonan 61 of 151 40% 45 of 132 10 of 13 6 of 6 52 of 136 3 of 7 6 of 8
Mackenzie Dern 113 of 195 57% 53 of 126 14 of 21 46 of 48 100 of 178 6 of 9 7 of 8
Significant Strikes Per Round
RdFighterSig. Str.Sig. Str. % HeadBodyLeg DistanceClinchGround
1 Yan Xiaonan 16 of 42 38% 13 of 39 1 of 1 2 of 2 14 of 39 1 of 2 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 28 of 52 53% 12 of 34 2 of 3 14 of 15 25 of 49 2 of 2 1 of 1
2 Yan Xiaonan 9 of 15 60% 8 of 13 1 of 2 0 of 0 4 of 8 1 of 1 4 of 6
Mackenzie Dern 8 of 9 88% 4 of 4 1 of 2 3 of 3 5 of 6 0 of 0 3 of 3
3 Yan Xiaonan 18 of 45 40% 10 of 36 5 of 6 3 of 3 18 of 43 0 of 2 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 32 of 66 48% 12 of 41 3 of 7 17 of 18 31 of 64 1 of 2 0 of 0
4 Yan Xiaonan 14 of 38 36% 10 of 33 3 of 4 1 of 1 13 of 36 1 of 2 0 of 0
Mackenzie Dern 38 of 56 67% 18 of 36 8 of 8 12 of 12 34 of 49 2 of 4 2 of 3
5 Yan Xiaonan 4 of 11 36% 4 of 11 0 of 0 0 of 0 3 of 10 0 of 0 1 of 1
Mackenzie Dern 7 of 12 58% 7 of 11 0 of 1 0 of 0 5 of 10 1 of 1 1 of 1
Play-by-Play
View on Sherdog
Mackenzie Dern vs. Xiaonan Yan

Round 1
In the lone match between two ranked competitors on the billing, savvy grappler Dern (12-2, 7-2 UFC) will ply her trade against the skidding Yan (15-3, 1 NC; 6-2 UFC) from China. All of Dern’s career wins have come by submission, while Yan has not been tapped out in over a dozen years. On the other hand, each of Yan’s UFC victories came on the scorecards, but she has never before competed beyond the third round. Plenty of storylines and nuggets of information are sure to be gleaned from this 115-pound main event, but it has to happen first. Referee Chris Tognoni is in charge of the final UFC fight of the night, and the ladies clap hands before getting down to business. Dern punches her way forward, and Yan responds with a quick counter and pushes out a side kick to the body. Dern kicks low, and Yan answers it with a clean right hand. Yan kicks low, and Dern gets drilled with three punches and surges forward with her own brief combination. Dern’s right eye is marked up already from the strikes, and she plods forward only to miss like a charging bull to a speedy matador. Yan’s punches are accurate and constant, and a kiai bolsters each one that comes in rapid succession. Dern dips in and ducks back from a few punches so that she can land cleanly with her own right hand, but it is one-and-done while Yan circles on the outside. Yan lands a side kick to the knee, and Dern switches stances and whiffs with a left hook. Yan does the same, and she kicks at that knee again. Dern powers forward in pursuit of a takedown, lifting Yan’s leg up in the air, and Yan keeps her balance and sets it down. Dern pulls her foe away from the cage and nearly drags her down, but she cannot quite ground Yan. Dern bullies her opponent all the way across the Octagon, and Yan scores a few short punches before breaking off. Yan chips at the lead leg with several successive kicks, and Dern dives forward for another single. Yan stuffs it as Dern falls to the mat, and Dern looks to hook up a leg when she goes down. Yan walks away and lets Dern stand back up so that she can kick Dern’s lead knee, and she chains a few punches together. They start brawling when Dern closes the distance, and Dern gets hold of her adversary so that she can throw her down. Dern lands on her own head and finds herself with her own back taken. Yan winds up on top, and Dern defends with a triangle choke off her back. Yan wriggles out of this and gets up with the wall at her back, and Dern cannot drag her down before the horn sounds.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 2
Dern starts off the second round coming forward aggressively, and Yan pecks at her with punches and kicks to keep her at bay. Yan cracks her with a right hand, and she allows Dern to fall to the mat in a failed guard pull attempt. Dern snatches up her leg when Yan tries to scamper away, and they sit stuck in a 50/50 position as Yan punches her foe in the face a few times. Dern is happy being on her back as she looks for a sweep, and Yan drives down several left hands as Dern hunts for her leg. Dern looks to isolate the left leg of Yan as she rolls upside down, and Yan is in an awkward position as Dern suddenly is threatening with an omoplata. Dern circles around to take the side and she grips a lock beneath Yan’s armpit and turns it into an arm-triangle choke. Dern presses down with the arm-triangle as she flattens Yan out, and Yan hooks her arms beneath her own knee as the choke cinches up. Yan sticks her tongue out, and Dern lets the choke go in an effort to jump into full mount. Like a snake, Dern slowly and methodically gets a dominant position, and she beats on Yan with right hands until Yan turns over to give up her back. Dern has both hooks in, and she keeps working Yan over with punches. Dern looks to Tognoni as if to request a stoppage, but the punches are not enough to merit referee intervention. Yan hangs on to a wrist to protect herself from the worst of a submission, and Dern rolls to hook up an armbar from the side. When that does not succeed, Dern hunts for a mounted triangle, and settles to take the back and keep punching Yan. Dern does not stop punching until the horn blares to end the round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dern
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dern

Round 3
The first strike in the third round comes from Yan, who kicks the inside leg of her opponent. Dern, with momentum on her side, is constantly moving forward and trying to back Yan against the wall. Dern punches her way into a possible takedown, but she is sloppy in doing so and gets clipped with a few fast counters. Dern lands a one-two and ducks down for a double, and Yan tries to push her off but Dern pulls guard. Dern keeps her left leg high with a rubber guard, but Yan gets enough space to stand back up. Dern follows her and gives chase, and she narrowly avoids a nasty uppercut that might have separated her head from her shoulders. Dern rushes forward to swing a few punches, and she delivers a body kick that lands with an audible thud. Dern charges recklessly for a takedown, and Yan skirts out of the way without concern as Dern is significantly slowing. Yan plants a teep kick on the midsection, and Dern reacts from every strike a little more each time. Yan continues her body shots, and she snaps Dern’s head back with a left hand. Dern backpedals and shoots in for a double, and Yan sees it coming a mile away and attempts to clean her clock with an uppercut. Dern is lucky that it missed her, and she gathers steam and walks right into two punches with her hands down. The grappler catches a body kick but can do nothing with it before Yan recoils it, and Dern walks her down while in the firing line. Dern swarms her with a few punches that all miss by a wide margin, and Yan calmly picks her shots. Yan kicks the knee and chains it into a front kick and a right hand, and Dern is flustered and cannot get inside. Yan counters a low kick with a right hand, and her volume is far higher than her opponent as Dern goes for one strike while Yan uses combinations. With five seconds to spare, Dern finally gets hold of her adversary, and she lands a head-and-arm throw that plants Yan on her back. She cannot capitalize on this top position before the round comes to an end.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 4
Yan fearlessly begins the round with a lengthy striking combination, and in response, Dern lands one strike. Yan kicks her in the face with the side of her foot, and she scores a few more punches but gets tagged with a response from the grappler. Dern catches a kick and pursues a single, and Yan hops around and frees herself. Yan cleanly cracks Dern with a right hand as she lands at will, and Dern blinks it out and keeps sauntering forward. Yan misses an elbow that allows Dern to pursue a head-and-arm throw, but Yan is able to stifle it and push Dern over to her seat. Yan escapes from any possible leg grabs from her opponent and forces Dern to stand, where she can tee off on her with long punch salvos. Dern deliver a right hand across the bow, and Yan replies with several more that get Dern’s attention once more. Dern keeps advancing and attempting to change levels, and Yan tosses her aside and rips a kick to the inside of her thigh. Yan keeps assaulting the leg, and she lands a side kick for good measure before Dern gloms on to her and drags the two down. Dern attempts to tie Yan up and allow Yan to take top position so that she can utilize her offensive guard, and Yan does not escape in time. Dern heel kicks the posterior several times to little effect, and she isolates an arm for an omoplata that can lead to a sweep or a submission. Yan does not stress out about this, even as Dern rolls all the way around in pursuit of an armbar. Dern locks it up right as the bell sounds, and there is no tap to be had in this round.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Yan
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yan

Round 5
The ladies have reached the final round, and they decide to throw caution to the wind and start slugging it out. Both women land flush with power punches, and this allows Dern to tie her up in the clinch and hunt for a trip. Yan elbows her on the inside while this is occurring, and Dern throws Yan down to her back in a major moment in the fight. Dern steps into full mount with four minutes left in the last frame, and she moves right into an armbar and attempts to snatch up an arm and bend it the wrong way. Yan rolls to her stomach as Dern punches her repeatedly, pouring it on with right hands to the ear as Yan shells up. Dern keeps both hooks in as Yan tries and fails to scramble, and Dern goes after a neck while Yan is turning. Yan is firmly in the danger zone, as Dern sits up and is ready to isolate something and twist or pull on it. Yan stays tight to her belly and grabs Dern’s gloves, and she is warned for doing so and releases them. Dern lands unanswered blows to the side of the head and snakes an arm under the neck, but Yan’s defense is solid. Dern unloads with several more heavy punches as she looks to soften Yan up for what turns into an armbar, and she torques the left arm with all her might. Thanking her lucky stars, Yan slides her arm out of the position right when Dern has it tight, and she spins around to wind up on top. With seconds left in the fight, Yan smacks Dern in the face with punches, and the final horn echoes through the empty building to put an end to this 25-minute affair. Depending on if judges awarded any 10-8 rounds, this one could be an interesting one going down to the cards. For Yan’s sake, only one judge ended up scoring the fight even, allowing her to skate away with a win by the skin of her teeth. With this event in the books, the UFC once more takes a week off before diving into a six-week run that will take fight fans straight through to November. We will be here for it all, and we hope you are too.

Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dern (48-47 Yan)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Dern (48-47 Yan)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Dern (48-47 Yan)

The Official Result
Xiaonan Yan def. Mackenzie Dern via Majority Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47)
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Sep 28, 2022 (3 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Cody also picks Dern by submission but expresses hesitations about her takedown accuracy (9%) and ability to get the fight to the ground consistently. He notes that Yan Xiaonan is tough and has good takedown defense, and that Dern's path to victory is entirely on the mat. He suggests live betting Yan if Dern fails to secure early takedowns, and mentions that Dern's submission win is the most logical outcome but not a lock.

Dern by submission; live betting Yan Xiaonan if Dern can't get takedowns
"I will take Dern by submission but again I got my hesitations"
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Sep 28, 2022 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul picks Mackenzie Dern by submission, noting her world-class jiu-jitsu and ability to get the fight to the ground via pulling guard or ugly clinch work. He acknowledges her one-dimensional striking and that Yan Xiaonan will likely win the standup, but believes Dern's durability and submission threat will prevail. He mentions the over/under on prize picks and the inside distance prop, but his official pick is Dern by submission.

Dern by submission; over 2.5 rounds minus 140; inside distance minus 111; submission minus 103
"Dern by submission that's my official pick"
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Sep 27, 2022 (4 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The MMA Guru believes Mackenzie Dern's elite BJJ will be the deciding factor over five rounds. He notes that Yan Xiaonan has lost two straight and was dominated by Carla Esparza, who used a similar grappling-heavy game plan. He thinks Dern will eventually get the fight to the ground and secure a submission, as Yan has not faced a grappler of Dern's level since a faded Claudia Gadelha. He acknowledges Yan could win rounds early but expects Dern's persistence to pay off.

submission finish
"I think over the 25 minutes Dern wears her down, gets her down and gets the submission."
Expert Picks (10 experts, 10 updates)
AN
Angelo Bodetti Expert
Oct 19, 2025 (6 days before fight) Hesitant Virna Jandiroba

Angelo picks Virna Jandiroba based on gut feeling, despite the line moving against her. He expects the fight to be entirely on the ground, where Virna's wrestling and safe jiu-jitsu will grind out a win. He notes Mackenzie's only path is submission, but Virna won't take risks like Amanda Ribas did. Angelo plans to bet Virna if the line rebounds.

The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week. ... I'll probably have some action on Verna.
"I'm going to go with the gut here. ... Verna is going to be the pick. The line sliding in the opposite direction will probably have me placing a bet on Verna by the end of this week."
BI
Big Brady Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Big Brady picks Mackenzie Dern, highlighting her massive improvements in striking and wrestling. He notes Dern's striking looked incredible against Angela Hill and that she now has power and aggression. He believes Dern's pressure and volume will overwhelm Virna Jandiroba on the feet, as Jandiroba lacks power and may be hesitant to grapple. Brady also cites the five-round distance favoring Dern's cardio and toughness, predicting a fourth-round TKO.

Dern by fourth round TKO; line flipped from plus money; Dern to become strawweight champion
"I got to go Dern here. I think the five rounds heavily favors Mackenzie Dern. Give me Dern here. I'm going to say Dern wins this fight by fourth round TKO."
CO
Cody Saftic Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Cody picks Mackenzie Dern, arguing that over five rounds, Dern's volume, speed, and willingness to engage will outpace Jandiroba's control-heavy style. He notes that Jandiroba's wrestling is elite but she lacks striking output, and Dern's submission defense and scrambling make her dangerous off her back. Cody believes Dern's path is a decision win, as she lands more and is faster.

"I think over five rounds, she's just going to be doing a lot more. She lands more. She's faster."
CO
Connor Ruebusch Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Lean Virna Jandiroba

Connor picks Jandiroba, taking a chance on her improvements in confidence and physicality since the first fight. He believes her wrestling-focused BJJ, reminiscent of Damien Maia, can neutralize Dern's guard attacks if she commits to grappling. He admits it's a hopeful pick but thinks Jandiroba has the tools to win if she doesn't repeat her negative game plan.

"I'm going to take the silly chance pick on Verna Jan Girova, cause I really want her to win and I really do feel like she's put in the work to be a more confident fighter, but I, you know, I don't even think it's silly."
DA
Daniel Vreeland Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Daniel Vreeland believes Mackenzie Dern's striking evolution and power give her the edge, especially as the fight progresses and Jandiroba slows down. He thinks the ground game will cancel out early, but Dern's improved hands and cardio will allow her to take over in later rounds. He also notes that the winner of the first fight often wins the rematch, especially with an age gap.

"I think in the early going, the ground game is going to kind of cancel itself out. But as the fight progresses and as Janji Doba starts to slow down, that's where I see McKenzie really letting her combinations go."
LU
Lucrative James Expert
Oct 20, 2025 (5 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Lucrative James picks Mackenzie Dern, citing her multiple paths to victory: she can win on the feet, by submission, or by outscrambling. He believes Dern has improved her boxing and wrestling, while Jandiroba's usual path of outgrappling opponents will be neutralized because Dern is dangerous from bottom and can sweep or submit her. He also notes Dern's better cardio and power, and predicts Jandiroba will get rocked at some point. He sees Dern as the underdog with value.

"I'm going to side with Mackenzie Durn here. ... I think she grits out a win here. TKO submission decision. I don't care. I'm picking McKenzie Durn money line."
MM
MMA Lock of the Night Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

The host expects Dern to replicate her 2020 win by putting together better striking, scrambling well in grappling, and winning a clear decision to become the new strawweight champion.

decision
"I expect her to replicate that performance... and new strawweight champion McKenzie Durn."
PA
Paul Shaughnessy Expert
Oct 22, 2025 (3 days before fight) Confident Mackenzie Dern

Paul agrees with Cody, adding that Dern has a great chin and throws more volume. He notes that Jandiroba's path to victory relies on takedowns and control, but Dern is crafty off her back. Paul also mentions that Jandiroba has never fought five rounds in the UFC and is 37, suggesting that if she wins early rounds, she may fade, making Dern a strong live bet as well.

"Dern just kind of if it turns into a slobberknocker on the feet, one Dern's got a great chin."
TH
The MMA Guru Expert
Oct 21, 2025 (4 days before fight) Confident Virna Jandiroba

The MMA Guru picks Virna Jandiroba by decision, expecting a split decision. He believes Jandiroba is more focused on her career than Dern, who has personal distractions. He notes that Jandiroba has been winning against top competition (Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Lemos) and has good takedowns and control. He references their first fight where Jandiroba had control time and takedowns. He expects a low-paced fight with Jandiroba dragging Dern around, winning clearly but with one judge giving Dern a round.

split decision; Jandiroba wins 49-46
"I'm going to go with Virna Jandiroba getting this one done. She'll win it clearly, but it'll be a split decision."
ZA
Zane Simon Expert
Oct 23, 2025 (2 days before fight) Hesitant Mackenzie Dern

Zane picks Dern, citing a sinking feeling that Jandiroba will repeat her first fight mistake of being too respectful of Dern's ground game. He notes Dern's confidence and power on the feet, and believes Jandiroba's negative game plan will lead to her being outworked. However, he acknowledges Jandiroba's improvements and calls it a hope-based pick.

"I'm going to pick Mackenzie Dern, cause I just have a sinking feeling that Verna is, this is going to be the rare opponent where she actually has respect for her ground game and it's going to trick herself into thinking that means it's too dangerous to grapple with her …"