Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will clash at the UFC Apex, both eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos, with a professional record of 14-3-1, is known as the top threat in terms of knockdowns in the strawweight division. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded impressively with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. This fight marks a significant opportunity for Lemos, who has shown considerable growth since her setback against Weili. Reflecting on her journey, 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."
Lemos’ knockout power makes her a formidable opponent, as she currently leads the division in knockdowns. Her quest to secure a title shot demonstrates her unwavering commitment to 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 explained.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Specialist
Standing across from Lemos will be Virna Jandiroba, who boasts an impressive record of 20-3. Jandiroba is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza.
Jandiroba has a storied history of finishing fights via submission, having achieved 11 of her 14 regional wins through this method. However, her submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent. Despite this, Jandiroba remains a prominent figure in the division, thanks to her striking defense rate of 57% and striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC.
The Brazilian fighter attributes her recent success to a significant mental transformation. "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 remarked. She further added, "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."
Implications for the Strawweight Division
As Lemos and Jandiroba prepare for their clash, the stakes are incredibly high. Both fighters understand that a victory could bring them closer to a title shot in the highly competitive strawweight division. The current champion, Zhang Weili, is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, who remains unbeaten with a 10-0 record. This leaves the door open for Lemos or Jandiroba to position themselves as the next challenger.
The fight promises to be a thrilling contest of styles, with Lemos' striking power pitted against Jandiroba's grappling and submission skills. Fans can expect intense exchanges as both fighters showcase their evolved skill sets, driven by their aspirations for championship gold.
Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba's journey to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas highlights not only their physical abilities but also their mental fortitude and determination. As the countdown to Saturday continues, the anticipation for this Brazilian showdown grows, setting the stage for an unforgettable night in the UFC women's strawweight division.