COSTA MESA, Calif. – Mackenzie Dern will be ready to fight if the UFC opts to implement an interim title in the strawweight division.
The future of the UFC at 115 pounds is currently a bit murky after reigning champion Carla Esparza told MMA Junkie this week that she’s injured and unable to accept a title defense with Zhang Weili at UFC 281 on Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi.
Although Esparza (19-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who regained UFC gold with a highly-criticized split decision win over Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 in April, has said she expects to be healthy by November or December, the UFC has a history of showing an impatience in regards to making certain title fights, and it wouldn’t be unprecedented if an interim strap came into play.
