Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern: Live round-by-round updates: UFC 321: Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern: Live round-by-round updates

Two of the best grapplers in women’s MMA, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, meet again, this time with championship stakes on the line.

Jandiroba has pieced together a five-fight win streak built on pressure, durability, and constant improvement. Her latest victory over Yan Xiaonan pushed her to the front of the strawweight line. She enters Abu Dhabi brimming with confidence and momentum on her side.

Across from her stands Dern, whose submission instincts remain unmatched. She’s won two straight and looked sharper than ever against Amanda Ribas earlier this year. Dern’s ground game still drives her success, but she’s developed more composure on the feet.

They met once before, in 2020, with Dern edging Jandiroba by decision. Both have grown since that night. Jandiroba has added layers to her striking, while Dern’s composure and athletic maturity stand out more than ever.

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UFC 321 airs live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Prelims start at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, followed by the main card at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT on ESPN pay-per-view and the ESPN App.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of UFC 321:

Round 1

Dern and Jandiroba trade calf kicks early. Dern swarms in to land a few punches, and Jandiroba is attacking the chest. Good knee by Dern in the clinch. Dern is finding the range early and lands a sharp jab. Jandiroba fires back with a few punches and an inside leg kick. She shoots for a takedown and gets Dern to the ground. Dern peels one arm off and tries to find an opening for the submission. Nice knee to the body from Dern in the clinch as they back back on their feet. Jandiroba shoots for the takedown again, and Dern is attacking from the bottom. They get back in the clinch and attack each other with knees.

Our Score: 10-9 Dern

Round 2

Nice right-hand connection from Jandiroba early. Dern changes level and briefly engages in a clinch. She's throwing bombs now, and Jandiroba fires back with an overhand right. Good inside leg kick from Jandiroba, and she secures a takedown. Dern attacks from the bottom, and they scramble their way back to the feet. Dern tosses Jandiroba when she attempts a takedown but ends up in the bottom position. This has been a better round for Jandiroba.

Our Score: 10-9 Jandiroba (19-19 overall)

Round 3

Dern lands a sharp jab, and Jandiroba catches her opponent's kick and takes her down. Dern pushes her off with a kick, and Jandiroba lands a quick right hand. Dern gets on the single leg now, but is unable to take her opponent down. Good right hand from Dern, and she gets back to the clinch. Jandiroba defends well, takes her down again, and Dern unleashes a few elbows. Jandiroba is posturing up to land a few elbows. Dern tries to land an upkick but misses.

Our Score: 10-9 Jandiroba (29-28 overall)

Round 4

Dern needs to force striking exchanges from Jandiroba. She lands a good left body kick. Jandiroba lands a good right hand, and Dern fires one back. She shoots for the takedown now, but Jandiroba is maintaining her composure. Dern lands a sharp right hand that catches Jandiroba's attention. She needs to keep the fight standing if she wants to secure the round. Jandiroba takes Dern down but doesn't chase her down to the canvas. Dern takes Jandiroba down now, and she's controlling the right leg. Jandiroba is holding on to Dern's body to wade out the round.

Our Score: 10-9 Dern (38-38 overall)

Round 5

Dern opens up with a left body kick. She stings Jandiroba with a beautiful right hand. Jandiroba changes level and takes her opponent down. Dern gets back up, and they engage in a body clinch. Jandiroba controls the far wrist and lands a few good elbows. Jandiroba takes her down again, and Dern unleashes strong elbows from the bottom. The referee stands them back up, and Dern gets busy with her boxing. She's winning the exchanges on the feet. Dern takes her opponent down in the final second and unleashes some ground-and-pound to score big in the final moments.

Our Score: 10-9 Dern (48-47 overall)

Official Result

Mackenzie Dern defeats Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, and 49-46).