Mackenzie Dern wants interim UFC title fight vs. Zhang Weili with Carla Esparza injured
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 , 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.
If that's the case, Dern said she would be eager to pounce on the opportunity, be it against Weili or anyone else.
“If they do have an interim title I would like to be in there,” Dern told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “Fight Zhang Weili or whoever it will...
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