This Saturday, UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas will feature a highly anticipated main event as two Brazilian fighters take center stage at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are set to face off, both eyeing a potential shot at the coveted UFC women's strawweight title. With impressive records and unique fighting styles, this bout promises to be an exciting clash.
Amanda Lemos: The Division's Top Knockdown Threat
Amanda Lemos enters the octagon with a record of 14-3-1, known for her prowess in delivering knockdowns in the strawweight division. Lemos recently experienced a tough loss, dropping a decision to current champion Zhang Weili. However, she quickly bounced back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and determination to remain a top contender.
Reflecting on her defeat and subsequent comeback, Lemos said, "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." Her commitment to improvement has clearly paid off, as she continues to be a formidable threat to her opponents.
Virna Jandiroba: A Submission Specialist on the Rise
With a record of 20-3, Virna Jandiroba brings a three-fight winning streak into the bout. Jandiroba's path to the UFC was marked by notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill, establishing her as a significant player in the strawweight division. She is also a former Invicta champion, a testament to her skill and experience in the sport.
Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza. Since then, she has been aiming to translate her regional success into the UFC, where she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. Despite a less consistent submission success rate in the UFC, Jandiroba has worked on her mental game, which she believes is key to 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," Jandiroba explained. Her self-belief has indeed translated into improved performances, making her a dangerous opponent for Lemos.
Styles Make Fights
This clash promises to be a fascinating battle of contrasting styles. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking power and accuracy. On the other hand, Jandiroba's strength lies in her grappling, particularly her jiu-jitsu, which she has consistently utilized to finish fights. Despite her striking accuracy in the UFC being around 38%, her striking defense rate stands at a respectable 57%.
Jandiroba herself acknowledges the importance of her mental transformation in contributing to her recent winning streak. "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 stated confidently.
Potential Title Implications
The stakes are high for both fighters, as a victory could place them closer to a title shot against the current champion. Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, who remains unbeaten with a 10-0 record. For Lemos and Jandiroba, a win on Saturday could position them favorably in the crowded and competitive strawweight division.
"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," Lemos remarked, highlighting her continuous quest for self-improvement.
As the fight night approaches, fans can look forward to an intense and skillful display of mixed martial arts from two of Brazil's top competitors. Whether it ends in a knockout or a submission, Amanda Lemos versus Virna Jandiroba is a bout that promises to deliver action, strategy, and perhaps a clearer picture of the next potential challenger for the strawweight crown.