Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage this Saturday in Las Vegas for the main event of UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will clash, each with their eyes on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: Rising Knockout Threat
Amanda Lemos, with a record of 14-3-1, is widely recognized as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. Following a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded impressively with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and ability to learn from defeats. Reflecting on her growth, Lemos expressed, "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."
Lemos has demonstrated a consistent approach to improving her game with each fight. She added, "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 Submissions Specialist
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba brings an impressive record of 20-3 and is riding a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba has notable victories over fighters like Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill and is a former Invicta champion. She debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, marking the beginning of her journey in the premier mixed martial arts organization.
Known for her submission skills, Jandiroba finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success has not been as consistent in the UFC. Despite this, Jandiroba emphasizes the mental aspect of her recent successes. "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.
Her renewed mindset has clearly paid dividends, as Jandiroba noted, "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."
Potential Title Implications
Both fighters are not just seeking victory but are also looking to edge closer to a title shot. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, who herself boasts an unbeaten record of 10-0. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could position them as the next in line for a shot at the strawweight title.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking power, while Jandiroba has a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38%. These statistics underscore the dynamic contrast in their fighting styles: Lemos with her striking prowess and Jandiroba with her grappling expertise.
The upcoming bout is not merely a fight; it is a narrative of growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in mixed martial arts. As both fighters step into the octagon, fans are guaranteed a thrilling showcase of skill and determination.
Regardless of the outcome, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba have already demonstrated the qualities of champions through their careers. Their clash in Las Vegas promises not only to be a highlight for UFC Fight Night but also a stepping stone toward determining the next title contender in the strawweight division.