Mackenzie Dern is expected to face her first challenger for the vacant strawweight title. Dern secured the championship with a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in October 2025. The 33-year-old American-born Brazilian has been inactive since her title victory.
After a nearly 10-month hiatus, Dern is anticipated to return to the Octagon to defend her belt.
Mackenzie Dern Expected to Make First Title Defense Against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330
Reports indicate that Mackenzie Dern is being lined up to make the first defense of her strawweight championship against Gillian Robertson. UFC 330 is scheduled to take place on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This potential matchup was initially revealed by MagicM_MMABets on X.
Dern is currently on a three-fight winning streak. Her last defeat occurred in February 2024, when she lost a unanimous decision to former title challenger Amanda Lemos at UFC 298.
The former IBJJF champion boasts a record of 11 wins and 5 losses within the UFC, with notable victories against Amanda Ribas, Loopy Godínez, and Angela Hill. Her overall professional record stands at 16 wins and 5 losses.
Meanwhile, Gillian Robertson last competed at UFC Vegas 114 in March, where she defeated Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision, extending her own winning streak to five fights. Robertson has not lost since June 2023, when she was defeated by Tabatha Ricci at UFC Jacksonville.
The 31-year-old Canadian fighter currently holds a 14-6 record in the UFC, with significant wins over Marina Rodriguez, Polyana Viana, and Molly McCann. Her professional career record is 17 wins and 8 losses.