In a highly anticipated bout, two of Brazil's top female fighters will take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are set to clash at the UFC Apex, with both athletes eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Fighter Profiles
Amanda Lemos comes into this fight with an impressive record of 14-3-1. She is renowned as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns, making her a feared opponent. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos showcased her resilience and skill by rebounding with a decisive victory over Mackenzie Dern. This win has bolstered her confidence and determination to climb the ranks toward a title shot.
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba boasts a formidable record of 20-3. She is currently on a three-fight winning streak and has earned notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion, made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza. Known for her grappling prowess, she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent.
Strengths and Strategies
Lemos' striking capabilities make her a significant threat; she leads the division in knockdowns. Reflecting on her losses and victories, Lemos stated, "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 is evident, and she aims to continue evolving as a fighter.
Jandiroba, with a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy in the UFC around 38%, focuses on exploiting her opponents' weaknesses. Her recent emphasis on mental strength has been a key factor in her 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 explained.
The Path to the Title
With champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, the upcoming fight between Lemos and Jandiroba holds significant implications for the strawweight division. Suarez, who remains unbeaten with a 10-0 record, is currently the top contender. A victory for either Lemos or Jandiroba could propel them closer to a coveted title shot, injecting fresh excitement into the division.
Lemos has shown remarkable growth since her loss to Zhang Weili, and her focus remains on continuous improvement. "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.
Similarly, Jandiroba's mental transformation has played a crucial role in her recent victories. She asserted, "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 renewed self-confidence and belief in her skills have been instrumental in her ascent up the rankings.
As fight night approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which of these Brazilian warriors will emerge victorious. With both fighters bringing distinct strengths and strategies to the octagon, the matchup promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination. Regardless of the outcome, the clash between Lemos and Jandiroba is set to significantly impact the trajectory of the strawweight division.