Who's Next for Mackenzie Dern?
Mackenzie Dern made the first defence of her strawweight title and looked solid doing so when she defeated Gillian Robertson at UFC 330.
Mackenzie Dern prospered in the UFC 330 co-main event as she defended her belt in dominant fashion when she outpointed Gillian Robertson over 25 minutes. She looked sharp, switched on and aggressive, something that we haven't seen in her career on many occasions.
Her stand-up was what stuck out as she was able to land on Robertson at will, threw strikes we haven't seen her throw before, and her hands looked tight, something that was pointed out by the broadcast team.
We take a look at who could be next for the champion as she will look to make her second straight defence.
UFC 330 Post Event Matchmaker - Who's Next for Mackenzie Dern?
Weili Zhang
The former champion, Weili Zhang, should be next for Mackenzie Dern. Many believed that she would be the woman who stood across from Dern for the Brazilian's first defence; however, it wasn't to be.
Magnum didn't lose the strawweight title inside the octagon, as she had to relinquish the belt when she moved up in weight to chase greatness against Valentina Shevchenko.
The Chinese superstar made three dominant defences of her belt before giving it up and allowing Dern to fight for the vacant belt, and it's only fair that she gets a crack at becoming a three-time champion.
Tatiana Suarez
Tatiana Suarez is ranked #3 in the division as things stand and is certainly a UFC favourite. She achieved a title shot after winning TUF as well as going on a six-fight winning run.
Although she would be dominated in her title effort at the hands of Zhang Weili, she has bounced back well with back-to-back convincing wins. Firstly, she defeated Amanda Lemos before becoming the first person to finish Loopy Godinez last time out.
At 35, it could be now or never for Suarez, who should push for a title shot next.
The Outside Shot - Fatima Kline
There's no doubting that Fatima Kline is a huge prospect in the sport, and there's a big outside chance that she gets a title shot next. Is she deserving of a shot at gold next? No. She's 4-1 in the UFC; however, she is on a four-fight winning run as things stand, which includes two TKO victories.
Fatima Kline is TOSSING Tabatha Ricci 😳
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 19, 2026
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/AgQJnUG4qx
What may give her the edge is that she produces viral moments, is well-rounded, and can sell a fight. If other aspects don't fall into place for the other potential challengers, Kline could realise a title shot sooner or later.
