Two Brazilian athletes are poised to capture the spotlight in Las Vegas this Saturday as they headline the UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are set to go toe-to-toe, both strivers for a possible shot at the UFC women's strawweight title. Each fighter brings a unique set of skills and an impressive track record that underscores the stakes of this high-octane match-up.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockout Threat
Amanda Lemos, holding a record of 14-3-1, has carved out a reputation as one of the most formidable knockdown artists in the strawweight division. Known for her striking power, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, making her a constant threat in the octagon. Despite a setback decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos displayed resilience by bouncing back with a critical decision victory over Mackenzie Dern.
Reflecting on her experiences, Lemos acknowledged the learning curve she faced after her loss to Zhang Weili. "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," she shared. This drive for continuous improvement signifies her preparedness for the upcoming clash against Jandiroba.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Specialist
Opposing Lemos is Virna Jandiroba, whose record stands at an impressive 20-3. Jandiroba is riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak and boasts significant victories over notable fighters such as Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has a profound submission game, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights by submission.
However, her submission success in the UFC has not mirrored her regional dominance. Emphasizing the mental aspect of her game, Jandiroba has noted, "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."
With a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy around 38%, Jandiroba’s performance metrics highlight her balanced capability to both absorb and deliver hits. The mental transformation she mentioned could be the key to unlocking further success in the octagon.
Path to the Title
Both fighters are tantalizingly close to a title shot, and a win this Saturday could propel either into contention. Champion Zhang Weili is slated to face unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, sporting a perfect 10-0 record. This fight presents a crucial opportunity for both Lemos and Jandiroba to stake their claim as the next contender in line for the strawweight crown.
Lemos underscored the importance of personal growth 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."
On the other hand, Jandiroba has been open about her significant mental and emotional development, marking a notable shift in her approach. "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 described, emphasizing her readiness and heightened self-belief.
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on these two Brazilian fighters, each with the tools and determination to succeed. Whether it's Lemos' powerful knockouts or Jandiroba's skillful submissions, the main event promises to deliver an intense showdown that could significantly alter the landscape of the strawweight division.