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, two top contenders in the UFC women's strawweight division, will clash in a highly anticipated showdown. Both athletes are not only fighting for victory but also eyeing a potential shot at the coveted strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: A Top Knockdown Threat
Amanda Lemos boasts an impressive record of 14-3-1 and is widely regarded as the top knockdown threat in the strawweight division. Known for her striking power, Lemos experienced a setback with a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili. However, she rebounded strongly with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showing significant improvement and determination.
"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 stated, reflecting on her loss to Weili and subsequent growth as a fighter.
Her performance since the loss has undeniably elevated her status as a contender. Lemos's ability to lead the division in knockdowns makes her a formidable opponent for anyone who steps into the octagon with her.
Virna Jandiroba: A Master of Submissions
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba enters the fight with a record of 20-3 and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion, has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Her UFC debut came in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, and since then, she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights by submission.
However, Jandiroba's submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent as it was in her regional fights. Still, she has demonstrated her striking defense, with a rate of 57%, and her striking accuracy in the UFC sits around 38%.
"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 revealed, emphasizing the mental transformation that has fueled her recent successes.
Jandiroba's mental fortitude and belief in her abilities have been critical components in her evolution as a fighter. "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.
Implications for the Strawweight Title
The stakes are high for both fighters as a win could bring them closer to a title shot. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next. Suarez remains unbeaten with a perfect 10-0 record, making the path to the title even more challenging for both Lemos and Jandiroba.
The clash between Lemos and Jandiroba not only highlights their individual strengths -- Lemos's striking prowess and Jandiroba's grappling acumen -- but also showcases the depth of talent in the strawweight division. Both fighters have displayed resilience and growth in their careers, making this bout a must-watch for MMA fans.
A victory on Saturday night will be a significant step forward for either fighter, positioning them as a prime candidate for a future title shot and demonstrating their readiness to compete at the pinnacle of the sport.