Two Brazilian fighters will take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both top-tier contenders in the UFC women's strawweight division, are set to clash at the UFC Apex with significant stakes on the line.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos steps into the octagon with a record of 14-3-1. Known for her striking prowess, Lemos is considered the top threat in the strawweight division when it comes to knockdowns—a key advantage in her arsenal. Despite suffering a decision loss to Champion Zhang Weili, Lemos showcased her resilience by bouncing back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern.
Commenting on her evolution as a fighter, Lemos reflected on her previous bout with Zhang Weili, stating, “It was an amazing opportunity and a dream come true. I learned a lot. We watched all my mistakes. I saw all the situations and errors that were made. I trained a lot to make sure I didn't commit them again.” It is this commitment to continuous improvement that makes Lemos a formidable opponent for Jandiroba.
Lemos also emphasized the importance of growth and learning in her career, saying, “I'm a fighter that wants to finish time. I want to get home as quickly as possible but a win is a win. The thing that I evaluate the most is how much I've evolved as a fighter. How much more improvement was there? If I'm a better fighter [than the last time], I'm happy with my performance.”
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Master
On the other side of the octagon stands Virna Jandiroba, boasting a record of 20-3 and riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba’s background as a former Invicta champion and her noteworthy victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill signal that she is a serious contender. What sets Jandiroba apart is her exceptional grappling skills, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, though her submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent.
Jandiroba's striking defense rate stands at 57%, and her striking accuracy in the UFC is approximately 38%. However, it is her mental transformation that Jandiroba credits for her recent success. “Although the level of the girls now is extremely high—they're very strong and tough—I believe the biggest key to finishing more people in the division is mental. I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth and my jiu-jitsu,” she said. This mental shift, according to Jandiroba, has been pivotal, enabling her to aim for more submissions among the top-tier opponents. “I know I have the jiu-jitsu required to tap out many girls in the Top 10. The mental part has always been challenging and that changed a few fights ago. I think I'm going towards that line of being able to submit more people,” she added.
Title Implications
Both Lemos and Jandiroba have their sights set on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown. A win for either fighter could propel them closer to this goal. Currently, Zhang Weili is expected to defend her title against Tatiana Suarez, who holds an unbeaten record of 10-0. Given the competitive landscape, securing a victory this weekend is crucial for both Brazilian fighters to keep their title aspirations alive.
Amanda Lemos has shown marked improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, while Jandiroba is riding high on a wave of mental and technical evolution. With both fighters having honed their skills and strategies, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest, underscoring the ever-evolving dynamics of the UFC women's strawweight division.
As these two athletes prepare to collide in what could be a defining bout for their careers, fans can anticipate a showdown that highlights the best in both striking and grappling. The UFC Apex in Las Vegas will undoubtedly witness a clash of styles, strengths, and ambitions, with the ultimate prize being a step closer to the coveted UFC strawweight title.