Din Thomas has voiced skepticism about the UFC 321 co-main event, scheduled for this Saturday in Abu Dhabi, which features a flyweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern. This title was vacated by Zhang Weili, and according to Thomas, the impending matchup lacks excitement due to the overwhelming legacy of the former champion.
During the On Paper with Anthony Smith podcast, Thomas expressed his feelings with a hint of respect, wondering if this might be one of the most unremarkable title fights in recent memory. He noted that the fight seems to have gone under the radar, with minimal buzz surrounding it. His sentiments were echoed by Smith, who stressed that a Jandiroba victory could pose marketing challenges for the UFC.
Despite the lukewarm outlook from Thomas and Smith, he believes that Dern, who previously defeated Jandiroba in 2020 via unanimous decision, has the potential to excel in the rematch. Thomas highlighted that while Dern has shown flashes of her capabilities, she has not fully harnessed her talent in the octagon. He remarked positively on Dern’s skills, calling her an exceptional striker and grappler with impressive stamina.
In Thomas’s view, if Dern performs to her abilities, she is likely to secure victory once more. He emphasized that she has been competing her whole life and has the innate talent required to excel in this sport. If she approaches the fight with seriousness, Thomas anticipates a decisive win for her against Jandiroba.
As anticipation builds for UFC 321, the focus will undoubtedly remain on whether Mackenzie Dern can deliver a standout performance and usher in a new era in the flyweight division following the departure of Zhang Weili. This narrative adds an intriguing layer to the event, as fans eagerly await to see how the battle unfolds.