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 eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
A Closer Look at Amanda Lemos
Amanda Lemos comes into this fight with an impressive record of 14-3-1. Known as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns, Lemos has made a name for herself with her striking capabilities. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded valiantly with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.
"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 said, reflecting on her bout with Zhang Weili. Her ability to critically analyze her performance and correct her mistakes speaks volumes about her growth as a fighter.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking prowess. She is determined to improve with each fight, saying, "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."
The Rise of Virna Jandiroba
Virna Jandiroba, holding a record of 20-3, enters this fight on the back of a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Her UFC debut in 2019 against Carla Esparza was on short notice, yet she has shown remarkable growth since then.
Known for her submission skills, Jandiroba finished 11 of 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success in the UFC has been less consistent, which she attributes to mental challenges. "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 said.
Her recent victories have been fueled by a renewed mental strength. "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. With a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy in the UFC around 38%, Jandiroba’s well-rounded skills make her a formidable opponent.
The Stakes
Both Lemos and Jandiroba have their sights set on the strawweight crown. The reigning champion, Zhang Weili, is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, presents a significant challenge. However, a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba this Saturday could edge them closer to a title shot, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their clash.
Lemos has shown marked improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, while Jandiroba has emphasized a mental transformation that has driven her recent successes. This match-up is not just a test of physical skills but also a battle of mental fortitude and strategic execution.
As the fight night approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying bout between two of Brazil's finest fighters. The outcome could very well reshape the landscape of the strawweight division, setting the stage for future title contentions.