Dern (17-5) thoroughly outclassed Gillian Robertson at UFC 330, using her grappling to secure a unanimous decision and retain the strawweight belt in Philadelphia. She’s now name-dropped who could be next in line for a title shot.
Mackenzie Dern names Weili Zhang, Tatiana Suarez and Lupita Godinez as possible UFC title challengers
When asked in a post-fight interview who she could face next, Dern initially admitted she’s unsure. She claimed the next challenger for the 115-pound throne could be Tatiana Suarez (12-1), Lupita Godinez (14-6), or former champ Weili Zhang (26-4).
“I know there’s Tatiana, Weili… Who else? Lupita could be coming up pretty soon,” Dern said.
Godinez is unlikely next in line, having lost three of her last five bouts. Moreover, the Mexican contender has already lost to Dern.
Suarez previously challenged for UFC gold, losing to Zhang in February last year. The former then bounced back with two wins, beating Amanda Lemos and Godinez. Meanwhile, Zhang vacated the title after beating Suarez to challenge for the women’s flyweight title, but lost to current 125-pound queen Valentina Shevchenko.
“It feels amazing to be able to hold onto my belt.”
Mackenzie Dern (@MackenzieDern) speaks about her first title defense and what she thinks might come next for her. #UFC330
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