TLDR
- Mackenzie Dern will defend her UFC strawweight title against Denise Gomes in March 2027
- Gomes earned the shot with five straight wins, including a first-round knockout of Yan Xiaonan
- The matchup bypasses former champion Zhang Weili, who is returning to the 115-pound division
- Gomes holds a 7-1 UFC record with four knockouts since joining in August 2022
- Tatiana Suarez recently beat Virna Jandiroba but remains outside the title picture
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com
UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern will defend her title against Denise Gomes in March 2027, according to MMA journalist Laerte Viana. The matchup bypasses a potential clash with former champion Zhang Weili, who is expected to return to the 115-pound division after losing her bid for double champion status.
Dern successfully defended her belt against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330 in August by decision. She won the strawweight title by defeating Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in October 2025.
Mackenzie Dern brings pure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu danger to the UFC 🥋🔥her grappling, transitions and submission game can turn one small mistake into a fight ending moment. Never underestimate her ground game.💀 pic.twitter.com/nLnutmgRRz
— Stallion (@Stallion1493334) November 2, 2026
Gomes Makes Her Case With Knockout Streak
Gomes has built a five-fight winning streak in the UFC, with her most recent victory being a first-round knockout of Yan Xiaonan at UFC Shanghai in August. The Brazilian fighter holds a 7-1 record in the UFC since earning her contract through the Contender Series in August 2022.
The 26-year-old has scored four knockouts during her UFC run, including victories over Tecia Pennington and Elise Reed. She currently holds a 7-2 overall UFC record.
“I’m ready. I’ve already proven it, I’ve already shown it,” Gomes told MMA Fighting. “None of the girls at the top have done what I did.”
Gomes believes her finishing ability sets her apart from other contenders. She pointed out that recent fights at the top of the division have lacked the excitement she brings to the cage.
“The other girls haven’t been delivering that,” Gomes said. “Mackenzie and Zhang haven’t been delivering that in their recent fights either.”
Gomes felt overlooked when she did not receive a performance bonus for her knockout of Xiaonan. She said the next opponent will “have to pay for it” with another knockout on her record.
Other Contenders Left Outside Title Picture
Tatiana Suarez defeated Jandiroba by decision at UFC Vegas 123 but remains outside the title picture. Suarez called for a title shot following her win, but the UFC appears to be moving in a different direction.
Dern has won five of her 12 UFC victories by submission, using her jiu-jitsu background. However, her two most recent title fights ended in decisions rather than finishes.
Gomes expressed confidence in her ability to handle Dern’s ground game. “I’m very good at jiu-jitsu. I just hadn’t perfected it for MMA yet,” she said.
The Brazilian contender said she wants to fight Zhang Weili after facing Dern. “I want to fight the best. It would be an honor for me,” Gomes said.
No specific date or location has been confirmed for the March event. The UFC has not yet announced its February or March lineup beyond UFC 336, which features a flyweight main event between Joshua Van and Manel Kape.
Gomes earned her UFC contract in August 2022 and has since established herself as a legitimate title contender. Her aggressive style and finishing ability have made her a fan favorite in the strawweight division.
