UFC strawweight favorite pleaded with to come out of retirement to save the division

Mackenzie Dern’s unanimous decision for the vacant strawweight title raises questions about the division’s depth — bettors may back Dern short-term as the favorite, but a potential Zhang Weili return or a Tatiana Suarez challenge could quickly shift odds; consider value in futures on Weili if she drops back to 115lb or Suarez as a live underdog in early title markets.

Dern Claims Vacant Strawweight Crown After Five-Round War

Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant strawweight title in a hard-fought, back-and-forth 25-minute co-main event, earning a unanimous decision and the division’s top spot. The win ends the vacancy left after Zhang Weili moved off the belt earlier in the year and immediately puts Dern in the spotlight as champion.

Fans Demand a Return from Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Social reaction was swift, with many fans urging former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk to come out of retirement and “save” the division. Supporters argued Jedrzejczyk’s striking pedigree and championship experience would make her an instant threat and a box-office opponent for Dern.

Why a Jedrzejczyk Comeback Looks Unlikely

Despite the calls for a comeback, Joanna’s ongoing health concerns and reported difficulties at 115lb make a return doubtful. Her most recent bout ended in a brutal spinning-back-fist knockout loss in a high-profile rematch, and at 38 years old the logistical and medical hurdles to a competitive return remain significant.

Realistic Title Targets: Weili or Suarez?

Dern has publicly expressed interest in Zhang Weili as a next opponent, but Weili is scheduled to pursue flyweight gold next and her return to 115lb is uncertain. That uncertainty elevates Tatiana Suarez as the clearest immediate contender: Suarez is coming off a win and her only loss at strawweight was to Weili in a previous title clash.

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Betting Outlook and Market Implications

For punters, Dern will likely open as the favorite in initial title markets given the champion’s momentum. Value strategies to consider: - Futures: If Weili’s program at 125lb leaves doubt about a drop, early-season futures on Suarez could offer value. - Matchups: A hypothetical Dern vs Jedrzejczyk line would be volatile — unless Joanna commits to weight and camp, odds would favor Dern by default. - Props: Expect betting interest in method and rounds markets; Dern’s grappling suggests higher-round/decision props, while Weili/Jedrzejczyk scenarios tilt toward finishes.

What’s Next for the Division

The strawweight landscape is in flux. A Weili return would instantly reshape title odds and public interest; without her, the division must lean on new rivalries and contender matchups to regain momentum. For bettors and fans alike, the coming months will determine whether Dern’s reign stabilizes the weight class or if fresh challengers will keep markets unpredictable.

How would a fight between the two go?

Bloody Elbow