Two Brazilian fighters will take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both talented athletes hailing from Brazil, are set to clash in a high-stakes bout that could bring the winner closer to a title shot in the UFC women's strawweight division.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
With a record of 14-3-1, Amanda Lemos is renowned as the top threat in the strawweight division when it comes to knockdowns. Lemos demonstrated her resilience and ability to bounce back after suffering a decision loss to the formidable Zhang Weili. She rebounded with an impressive decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing the improvements she had made since her previous defeat.
Reflecting on her journey, Lemos shared her perspective: "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 emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in her fighting career, stating, "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 Expert
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba enters the fight with a record of 20-3 and a three-fight winning streak. Known for her impressive submission skills, Jandiroba has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, although her submission success in the UFC has been less consistent. Nevertheless, she has secured notable victories over fighters such as Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill.
Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion, made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza. Since then, she has been on a mission to solidify her position among the elite in the division. Reflecting on her journey, Jandiroba remarked, "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 continued, "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."
What's at Stake?
This bout carries significant implications for both fighters. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could bring them closer to a coveted shot at the UFC women's strawweight title. Currently, champion Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, an unbeaten contender with a 10-0 record. For Lemos and Jandiroba, a victory on Saturday positions them as strong contenders in the title conversation.
Lemos, who leads the division in knockdowns, has improved her performance since her loss to Zhang Weili. Meanwhile, Jandiroba has emphasized a mental transformation as a key factor in her recent successes, bringing her striking defense rate to an impressive 57% and maintaining a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC.
The Path Forward
As the MMA world eagerly anticipates this clash between two of Brazil's finest fighters, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both Lemos and Jandiroba have shown remarkable resilience and dedication to their craft, making this a bout that could potentially shape the future of the UFC women's strawweight division. The journey to UFC gold is a challenging one, but for Lemos and Jandiroba, Saturday's fight represents a pivotal step toward achieving their ultimate dreams.