Since reclaiming her UFC strawweight title from Carla Esparza in November 2022, Zhang Weili has successfully defended her crown three times before deciding it was time for a new challenge. Earlier this year, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed her move up in weight, announcing plans for Weili to chase two-division glory against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.

The two are slated to clash at UFC 322 on November 16, but before that, the strawweight division will take the spotlight. On October 25, Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba will battle in the co-main event of UFC 321 for Weili’s now-vacant 115-pound title. Still, the member of the Brazilian RVCA team believes it’s only a matter of time before Weili returns to reclaim what she built.

Mackenzie Dern predicts a trilogy fight between Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko

In a recent interview with SHAK MMA’s Shakiel Mahjouri, Mackenzie Dern was asked about fans labeling her upcoming fight as “a consolation prize and that Zhang Weili is going to come back down and take back what was hers.” The 32-year-old didn’t dismiss the idea, admitting that it’s entirely possible. “I think definitely she could come back down,” Dern said.

Rather than seeing Weili’s move as a setback, Dern is using the opportunity to evolve. “If she comes back down, I think at least the girls in the division will have a little bit more time to get, myself included, prepare and be ready for her in a new way,” Dern explained. She believes Weili’s shift to flyweight has given the strawweight division a much-needed reset.

“I think it was just kind of like unpause, cuz she’s just so dominant, so I think it’s good for her to go up,” Dern added. Looking ahead, she predicted that the Weili vs. Valentina rivalry might become one for the ages. “I think [Weili vs.] Valentina is a fight that everyone wants to see. Depending on how that goes, [there] could potentially be a rematch and then a trilogy.”

Still, Dern knows the spotlight could swing back to her soon. If ‘Magnum’ returns right after her next bout, the winner between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba will be ready to face her head-on. “If she comes back after the next fight, I think either me or Virna will be ready to fight her too,” Dern said during the interview. 

She admitted she isn’t quite there yet—but believes that capturing the belt against Jandiroba, and the mindset it will bring, will prepare her for Zhang Weili’s challenge. But the big question is, will Weili return to 115?

Zhang Weili wants to “Keep moving forward”

After vacating her title at strawweight in a bid to become a two-division champion in the UFC,  the Chinese star is set to appear on the co-main event of Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena. In her first statement after the move, Weili made it clear that she wants to keep moving forward. 

Taking to Instagram, the 36-year-old shared the official UFC 322 fight posters along with an inspiring caption that reflected her mindset ahead of the new challenge. “UFC 322, let’s go!” Zhang wrote. “Keep moving forward. Stay positive and upward. Break through everything and surpass yourself. Everything is brand new. #ufc #ufc322 @ufc”

Despite all the speculations and predictions about what the future holds for Zhang Weili, only time will tell what she plans to do. Not to mention, if she loses to Valentina Shevchenko, there’s a good chance “keep moving forward” might not remain her priority. What do you think? Will Weili ever move back to 115?