Dana White Reveals He Tried To Book Mackenzie Dern vs Zhang Weili For UFC White House Event

Dana White recently revealed that he attempted to book a significant strawweight bout between BJJ standout Mackenzie Dern and current UFC Strawweight World Champion Zhang Weili. This proposed fight was intended for a unique UFC event at the White House during the Trump administration, an ambitious concept that ultimately did not come to fruition. White shared this detail during a press conference leading up to UFC 300, where Dern is also scheduled to compete.

For a BJJ audience, the prospect of Mackenzie Dern facing Zhang Weili was particularly exciting due to Dern's unparalleled grappling background. Dern is celebrated as one of the most accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioners to transition into MMA, holding an ADCC gold medal and multiple IBJJF World Championships in both gi and no-gi. This matchup would have presented a fascinating clash of styles, showcasing how elite grappling could contend with the striking prowess of a top-tier champion like Weili.

While the White House event never materialized, the discussion highlights Dern's continued relevance and high regard within the sport, especially for those following BJJ's impact on MMA. Dern has maintained her presence in the strawweight division, recently securing a victory over Jessica Andrade and preparing for her upcoming fight against Loopy Godinez at UFC 300, continuing to represent the grappling community at the highest level.