Two seasoned Brazilian fighters are preparing to take the spotlight in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will face off in a pivotal bout, each vying for a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockout Specialist
Amanda Lemos enters the octagon with a record of 14-3-1, earning her reputation as the strawweight division's prime knockout threat. Leading the division in knockdowns, Lemos is a force to be reckoned with on her feet. Despite suffering a decision loss to the reigning champion Zhang Weili, Lemos has shown resilience, bouncing back with a decisive victory over Mackenzie Dern.
Reflecting on her past fights and growth, Lemos shared, "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 refine her skills and avoid past mistakes is evident. Lemos added, "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."
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Maestro
Opposing Lemos is Virna Jandiroba, holding a robust record of 20-3. Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion, is riding high on a three-fight winning streak with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Known for her grappling prowess, Jandiroba finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission and has been working diligently to bring that same success into the UFC.
Since debuting in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has faced the challenge of adapting her submission game against tougher competition. However, she believes that mental growth has been a key factor in her recent 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," Jandiroba explained. "I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth and my jiu-jitsu."
Her confidence in her abilities reflects in her outlook for future bouts. "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," Jandiroba stated.
The Path to the Title
Both fighters are eyeing the same prize: a shot at the UFC women's strawweight title. Current champion Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, who holds an unbeaten record of 10-0. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could significantly propel them closer to a title shot.
With Lemos' striking prowess and Jandiroba's submission skills, the matchup promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. Lemos' ability to knock opponents down and Jandiroba's striking defense rate of 57% will be critical factors in determining the outcome of this fight. While Jandiroba’s 38% striking accuracy in the UFC will need to be sharp to counter Lemos’ aggressive approach.
As both fighters step into the Octagon, their contrasting strengths set the stage for a compelling showdown. Will Lemos' knockout power prevail, or will Jandiroba's grappling expertise secure her another victory? The fight on Saturday holds the answer, promising an electrifying night of MMA action.