Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday, headlining UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both formidable competitors in the women's strawweight division, are aiming to move one step closer to a title shot with a victory in this crucial matchup.
Amanda Lemos, boasting a record of 14-3-1, has established herself as the top threat in terms of knockdowns in the strawweight division. Despite suffering a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded impressively with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Lemos's ability to bounce back from setbacks underscores her resilience and determination to stay at the top of her game.
Reflecting on her journey, Lemos candidly shared, "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." Her commitment to constant improvement is evident in her recent performances, demonstrating her evolution as a fighter.
On the other side of the Octagon, Virna Jandiroba enters the fight with an impressive record of 20-3. Currently on a three-fight winning streak, Jandiroba has secured notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. The former Invicta champion made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, showcasing her readiness to face top-tier competition at any time.
Jandiroba, known for her submission skills, has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success has been less consistent in the UFC. Despite this, Jandiroba remains confident in her abilities, 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."
The fight promises to be a compelling clash of styles, with Lemos's knockdown power pitted against Jandiroba's submission prowess. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, while Jandiroba boasts a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38%. These statistics set the stage for a high-stakes encounter where both fighters will need to leverage their strengths to emerge victorious.
Jandiroba attributes a significant part of her recent success to her mental transformation. "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. Her focus on mental fortitude highlights a critical aspect of her preparation and her quest for further victories.
This matchup carries extra weight as a win for either fighter could bring them closer to a shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown. With Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, the outcome of the Lemos vs. Jandiroba fight could position the victor as a leading contender for the title. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, represents the next challenge for Weili, adding further intrigue to the future of the division.
For Lemos, improved performance since her loss to Weili indicates her readiness for high-level competition. "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 expressed, underlining her focus on growth and adaptation.
The anticipation for this showdown is palpable, as both Lemos and Jandiroba have shown they possess the skills and mindset to succeed at the highest level. As they prepare to enter the Octagon, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see which fighter will take a decisive step forward in the fiercely competitive strawweight division.