Two Brazilian 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, both with their eyes on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
The Threats
Amanda Lemos, with a record of 14-3-1, is renowned as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. Although she suffered a decision loss to champion Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded strongly with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. This fight is a crucial stepping stone for Lemos, who is looking to cement her place as a top contender in the division.
"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 reflected on her fight with Weili. Her determination to rectify past mistakes and continue evolving as a fighter is evident.
A key factor in Lemos' repertoire is her striking prowess, leading the division in knockdowns. This makes her a formidable opponent for anyone in the strawweight division.
The Submission Specialist
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba enters with an impressive record of 20-3 and is riding a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has carved out a name for herself with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Her journey in the UFC began in 2019, debuting on short notice against Carla Esparza.
Jandiroba has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, though her submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent. Nonetheless, she possesses a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38%, highlighting her balance of defensive and offensive capabilities.
"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 stated. Her recent successes are a testament to her emphasis on mental transformation, which has played a significant role in her current winning streak.
Her self-assured stance is backed by her belief in her jiu-jitsu skills. "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 added.
Title Implications
With Champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, the upcoming bout between Lemos and Jandiroba could be pivotal in determining the next title contender. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, poses a significant challenge, but a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could bring them closer to a coveted title shot.
Both fighters have shown resilience and growth in their recent performances. Lemos' knockout power and improved game since her loss to Weili contrast sharply with Jandiroba's submission skills and mental fortitude. This clash promises to be an intriguing matchup of styles, with each fighter's strengths likely to be put to the test.
As the UFC strawweight division continues to evolve, the stakes for Lemos and Jandiroba couldn't be higher. For Lemos, it's about capitalizing on her knockout capabilities and continuing her ascent in the rankings. For Jandiroba, it's about leveraging her refined mental game and submission expertise to secure a dominant win.
Saturday's fight is more than just another matchup; it's a potential gateway to the pinnacle of the strawweight division. Whether it will be Lemos' powerful strikes or Jandiroba's tactical submissions that prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: both fighters are prepared to leave it all in the octagon.