Vilna Jandirova is just not the identical fighter she confronted Mackenzie Dern 5 years in the past.
Jandiroba, who succumbed to BJJ’s bombshell by way of unanimous determination in December 2020, might get his final revenge when he faces Dern for the undisputed strawweight world title at UFC 321 on October twenty fifth.
Since dropping to Dern, Jandiroba has amassed a strong 6-1 report and enters her probability to win her first UFC title with 5 straight wins, together with a second-round submission win over Amanda Lemos and a decisive determination win over Yan Xiaonan.
“I’ve modified loads over the past 5 years,” Jandiroba instructed MMA Junkie. “I spent lots of time attending to know myself higher and bettering not solely as an athlete however as an individual. I really feel like a distinct girl now. Extra conscious, extra balanced, which naturally made me a greater fighter. The technical enhancements are apparent, however crucial adjustments have been psychological. I’ve discovered to be kinder to myself, and I feel most individuals would enhance their high quality of life in the event that they did the identical.”
Vilna Jandirova praises Dern’s evolution over the previous 5 years
Jandiroba additionally acknowledged that her opponent has improved considerably since their first encounter.
“As a fighter, Mackenzie has undoubtedly advanced,” Jandiroba continued. “I can see her placing and wrestling clearly bettering, areas that have been at all times questionable earlier than. She’s a a lot better MMA fighter than she was 5 years in the past. She should not be too exhausting on herself.”
Dern has had the identical success as Jandiroba in recent times and stands because the front-runner to probably depart Abu Dhabi with the 115-pound crown on Saturday evening.
