Mackenzie Dern wins close decision over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 256
Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba came into their fight as two world class grapplers, but the two kept it on the feet for the majority of their 15 minute contest.
When the high paced fight was over, Dern got her hand raised in a very close decision.
Fight Preview
UFC 256 goes down tonight and the event will mark the final UFC pay per view of 2020.
The main event will feature a flyweight title fight between champion Deiveson Figueiredo and challenger Brandon Moreno. Both fighters just fought three weeks ago and UFC 255.
In the co-main event, a big time lightweight bout goes down between Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira.
Right before those two fights, a strawweight contest takes place between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba.
Dern (9-1) is a fan favorite who is making her third appearance of 2020. So far this year, Dern has posted victories over Hannah Cifers and Randa Markos. Those wins come after she suffered her first loss to Amanda Ribas.
Jandiroba (16-1) is coming off a quick submission victory over Felice Herrig in August at UFC 252 in which Jandiroba needed less to two minutes to get the win. Her lone loss comes to former UFC champion Carla Esparza.
Here’s how their fight went down with a round-by-round breakdown and scoring. For a full list of UFC 256 results, click here.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba breakdown
Round 1
Dern steps forward throwing a bunch of punches and then a few moments later, Jandiroba returns the favor.
Both ladies keeping things on the feet in the early going. They have each landed, but Dern is getting the better of the exchanges. In fact in the seconds minute of the fight, Dern landed a heavy combo that got Jandiroba’s attention.
Two minutes left in the round and Dern comes forwards and lands heavy shots backing Jandiroba into the cage and then goes to the clinch.
While in the clinch, Jandiroba lands a nice knee and is able to break away and the ladies return to the center of the octagon for the final minute.
Dern is loading up on her shots not landing as much now. Jandiroba gets a nice shot in the final seconds.
Things got closer in the end of the round, but Dern takes the opening frame.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Dern
Round 2
Dern comes out swinging. Jandiroba fires back. They’re getting after it early in the second round.
Both ladies are trading shots. Dern is the aggressor as she’s constantly keeping the press on Jandiroba.
Dern tries to clinch, but Jandiroba lands another big knee and it breaks the clinch.
Jandiroba is starting to win the exchanges.
Dern accidentally pokes Jandiroba in the eye and the fight is briefly stopped for Jandiroba to recover.
The action resumes with two minutes left in the round and Dern goes right in for a takedown. She couldn’t secure it and when her face comes up she is bleeding badly from the nose.
The broadcast team is saying Dern got her nose busted from a knee. As the blood pours from Dern’s nose, Jandiroba gets Dern to the canvas to finish the round.
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Jandiroba
Round 3
The nose is busted from a knee and Dern told her corner that she thinks it’s broken.
Dern isn’t letting it stop her. She comes forward with pressure and is landing strikes.
Dern is trying for a takedown, but Jandiroba stuffs it and lands an elbow while defending the takedown.
The ladies return to the center and Jandiroba lands a high kick. Dern comes back with a kick to the body.
Dern Lands a bomb that sends Jandiroba on retreat. With Jandiroba backing to the cage, Dern tries for a takedown, but can’t get it. Jandiroba gets Dern to the ground, but gets up and tells the ref to let Dern back to the feet.
Both ladies throw heavy shots. Dern with a body shot and Jandiroba with two beautiful jabs.
Dern goes to the body.
This round is close as we enter the final minute.
Dern goes to the clinch. This time Dern gets it Jandiroba to the mat to close out the round.
The round was very close. Could go either way. Dern had the heavy shot, some nice body kicks and ended the round on top of Jandiroba. She might steal it based on that
MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Dern
Official Result: Mackenzie Dern defeats Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)