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.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockout Artist
Amanda Lemos, boasting a record of 14-3-1, has become a formidable presence in the strawweight division. Known for her ability to deliver knockdowns, Lemos has steadily risen through the ranks. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, she showed resilience by rebounding with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern.
"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 shared, reflecting on her loss to Zhang Weili. Her commitment to improvement has clearly paid off, making her a top threat in the division.
Lemos leads her division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking prowess. Her determination to hone her craft and rectify past errors has kept her in contention for a potential title shot.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Specialist
Virna Jandiroba enters this fight with a solid 20-3 record and riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, showcasing her ability to adapt and compete at the highest level.
Jandiroba's background is rooted in submission grappling, having finished 11 of 14 regional fights via submission. However, her transition to the UFC has seen mixed results in translating that 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. I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth and my jiu-jitsu," she explained.
This mental transformation has undeniably aided her recent string of victories. Jandiroba's striking defense rate of 57% and striking accuracy of 38% further illustrate her evolving skill set. "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.
The Path to Title Contention
The stakes are high for both fighters. With current champion Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, a victory for either Lemos or Jandiroba could place them on the cusp of a title shot. Lemos has demonstrated significant improvement since her setback against Weili, while Jandiroba attributes her success to a newfound mental fortitude.
"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," Lemos stated.
As the fight approaches, the anticipation builds. Both fighters have showcased their skills and solidified their positions as top contenders in the strawweight division. However, only one will take a step closer to their ultimate goal of capturing UFC gold.
The clash between Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba promises to be a thrilling encounter, highlighting the diversity of talents within the division. With Lemos's striking power and Jandiroba's grappling acumen, fans can expect an electrifying bout that could have significant implications for the future of the strawweight division.