Two Brazilian fighters are poised to showcase their skills in Las Vegas this Saturday as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba take center stage at UFC Fight Night. Both athletes aim for a significant victory that could propel them into contention for the UFC women's strawweight title.
Rising Contenders
Amanda Lemos, holding a record of 14-3-1, is recognized as one of the strawweight division’s most potent strikers, particularly noted for her knockdowns. Despite suffering a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos bounced back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, demonstrating her resilience and determination to stay in the title picture. Lemos's consistent improvement, especially her ability to capitalize on past mistakes, has kept her name in the conversation for a future title shot.
"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 loss to Weili and subsequent improvements.
Virna Jandiroba, with an impressive record of 20-3, enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak. Known for her grappling prowess and a former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut on short notice against Carla Esparza in 2019. Despite the uphill challenge, she has solidified her position in the division with notable victories over fighters like Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Jandiroba’s journey in the UFC has been underpinned by a refined mental approach that emphasizes self-confidence and belief in her jiu-jitsu skills.
"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 stated, highlighting the psychological strides she has made to enhance her game.
Strategic Showdown
Lemos, known for her knockdown ability leading the division, will face off against Jandiroba's well-rounded game, which includes a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of 38% in the UFC. Jandiroba's grappling may play a crucial role, as she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success in the UFC has been sporadic, making her performance against Lemos all the more critical.
The bout takes place against an intriguing backdrop in the strawweight division, with Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez, who boasts a perfect 10-0 record. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could significantly enhance their credentials for a future title challenge, bringing them one step closer to the championship contention.
"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 explained, underscoring her focus on continuous improvement and evolution as an athlete.
Jandiroba echoed similar sentiments about personal growth, stating, "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."
Anticipation and Aspirations
As Lemos and Jandiroba prepare for their showdown at the UFC Apex, all eyes will be on how each fighter implements their strategies and overcomes the challenges posed by the other. For Lemos, leveraging her striking power and maintaining her momentum after the win over Dern will be crucial. Conversely, Jandiroba's ability to utilize her grappling and capitalize on her mental fortitude will be tested against Lemos's aggressive style.
Ultimately, their performances on Saturday could shape the future landscape of the women's strawweight division, offering a potential pathway to title contention for the victor. This high-stakes bout promises to deliver an exhilarating clash of skills and will, adding another chapter to the storied careers of these formidable fighters.