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, with both athletes eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Lemos: A Comeback Story
Amanda Lemos, boasting a record of 14-3-1, returns to the Octagon as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. After suffering a tough, one-sided decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded impressively with a competitive decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. This win not only showcased her resilience but also re-established her status as a contender to be reckoned with.
"It was an amazing opportunity and a dream come true," Lemos said through an interpreter regarding her recent fights. "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 is a fighter who values progress over perfection. "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."
Jandiroba: The Grappling Guru
On the other side of the Octagon, Virna Jandiroba steps in with a remarkable 20-3 record. Riding a three-fight winning streak, Jandiroba has claimed notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, she debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against the seasoned Carla Esparza. Known for her grappling prowess, Jandiroba has finished 11 of 14 regional fights via submission, although her submission success hasn’t been as consistent in the UFC.
Jandiroba openly discusses the mental aspect of her fighting journey. "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 admitted.
She emphasizes that mindset transformation has played a crucial role in her recent performances. "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."
The Road Ahead
Both fighters have showcased different strengths that make this matchup particularly intriguing. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, while Jandiroba's fight game is bolstered by her striking defense, sitting at an impressive 57%, and her chain wrestling and takedowns. Yet, Jandiroba's striking accuracy in the UFC remains around 38%, a figure that might have to improve if she hopes to outpace Lemos.
The stakes of this fight are considerable, as expectations are that champion Zhang Weili will next face Tatiana Suarez, the current No. 1 in the division and unbeaten with a perfect 10-0 record. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could inch them closer to a title shot, making the encounter all the more higher-stakes and exhilarating.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this Brazilian showdown. With their unique blend of styles—Lemos' knockdown power and Jandiroba's grappling finesse—a dynamic fight is all but guaranteed.
As we inch closer to the main event, the anticipation mounts for a showdown that could redefine the pecking order in the UFC women's strawweight division. Both fighters have much to gain and everything to fight for, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.