Summary
Mackenzie celebrates her UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Newly crowned in the strawweight category (up to 52,1 kg), Mackenzie dern She doesn't yet have a date to return to the octagon, but her next opponent has most likely already been decided. Weili Zhang, former champion of the category, who vacated the title to challenge Valentina Shevchenko, is expected to return to her original division against the new queen of the category. In this context, the black belt in Jiu-Jitsu is ready to welcome Magnum.
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She spoke about it in an interview with the American website 'MMA Junkie' last Tuesday (27). When asked who her opponent would be in her first title defense, the Brazilian praised the competitiveness of the category, but also acknowledged the talent of the former champion and the greater probability of facing her.
“I think there are some girls who might be able to get into the competition, depending on the fights they already have scheduled, but I believe Weili is a really strong competitor,” Dern stated.
Mackenzie made it clear that he felt neither obligated nor even necessary to compete with Weili. However, he acknowledged that it would be a good opportunity to solidify his legacy and dispel any distrust from fans and the media.
“I don’t feel like I need to, but I feel like the fans really want to see it. If (Zhang) wanted to retire today, she could, because she’s already achieved so much, so I don’t put pressure on myself to fight her. But it will certainly be very rewarding to be able to defeat her and prove to everyone who doubted that I am the true champion and that it wasn’t easy to get here,” she declared.
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