Dern targets Weili for first title defense

Mackenzie Dern said she expects to stage her first UFC strawweight title defense in the near future.

She named Zhang Weili as a top candidate to be that challenger, according to reports dated Jan. 28, 2026.

Weili previously gave up the 115-pound belt to move up to flyweight, leaving a potential return to strawweight under discussion, sources say.

Dern, who won the vacant title in October, indicated a meeting with Weili would be meaningful but not required to prove her championship status.

The bout is reportedly being discussed but no official date or booking has been announced.

[Source]

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