Las Vegas will host an electrifying showdown this Saturday as Brazilian fighters Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba face off in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Both athletes are eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown, making this clash highly anticipated.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos steps into the octagon with a record of 14-3-1, and has established herself as the strawweight division's premier threat in terms of knockdowns. Known for her striking prowess, Lemos looks to build on her impressive performance against Mackenzie Dern, where she secured a decision victory after a tough loss to Zhang Weili.
Lemos's journey in the UFC has been marked by highs and lows. Reflecting on her bout with Zhang Weili, she 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 determination to improve and avoid past mistakes is a testament to her growth as a fighter.
As Lemos continues to refine her skills, her ability to lead the division in knockdowns remains a cornerstone of her strategy. Her resilience and dedication to evolving as a fighter underscore her presence as a formidable opponent in the strawweight division.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Expert
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba brings an impressive 20-3 record, riding a three-fight winning streak with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. As a former Invicta champion, Jandiroba's credentials are second to none. Her journey in the UFC began in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, showcasing her readiness to take on challenges head-on.
Jandiroba's submission skills are well-documented, with 11 of her 14 regional fights ending via submission. However, her submission success in the UFC has been less consistent. Despite this, Jandiroba's recent emphasis on mental transformation has paid dividends. She stated, "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."
Her striking defense rate of 57% and striking accuracy in the UFC at around 38% further illustrate her well-rounded skill set. Jandiroba's ability to adapt and overcome mental challenges has been pivotal to her recent successes.
The Path to the Strawweight Crown
Both fighters have their sights set on the ultimate prize: a shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, who remains unbeaten with a 10-0 record. However, a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could bring them closer to that coveted title opportunity.
Lemos has shown significant improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili. Her focus on avoiding past mistakes and evolving as a fighter makes her a dangerous contender. "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 shared.
Jandiroba, on the other hand, attributes her recent success to mental growth. "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 remarked. This mental fortitude combined with her submission skills makes her a formidable opponent.
As the two Brazilian fighters prepare to clash in Las Vegas, fans can expect a thrilling encounter where both technique and mental strength will be tested. Whether it will be Lemos's striking prowess or Jandiroba's submission expertise that prevails, one thing is certain: the fight could have significant implications for the future of the strawweight division.