Two formidable Brazilian fighters are poised to showcase their skills this Saturday in Las Vegas, as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba headline the UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. This bout, critical for both athletes, may determine who gets closer to a shot at the coveted UFC women's strawweight title.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos, holding a record of 14-3-1, has cemented her reputation as the strawweight division's most formidable threat in terms of knockdowns. Known for her powerful striking, Lemos has managed to lead the division in knockdowns, a testament to her striking prowess and aggressive fighting style.
Despite a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her journey, Lemos remarked, "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' determination to evolve as a fighter is palpable. She added, "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."
Virna Jandiroba: The Grappling Ace
On the opposite side of the octagon stands Virna Jandiroba, with an impressive record of 20-3. Jandiroba is riding high on a three-fight winning streak and has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019, stepping in on short notice against Carla Esparza.
Jandiroba is known for her exceptional grappling abilities, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success in the UFC has been less consistent. Despite this, she boasts a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of 38% in the UFC.
Jandiroba credits much of her recent success to a 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.
She continued, "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."
Eye on the Prize
Both fighters understand that a win could significantly advance their careers. With reigning champ Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, the outcome of this bout will be critical for the strawweight division's future.
Amanda Lemos has worked diligently to improve her performance since her loss to Zhang Weili. Her striking skills and ability to deliver knockdowns make her a constant threat. Conversely, Jandiroba's recent emphasis on mental strength and self-confidence has bolstered her already formidable grappling game.
This intriguing matchup between two highly skilled Brazilian fighters promises to be a highlight of the UFC Fight Night. As they step into the octagon, both Lemos and Jandiroba carry the hopes of advancing closer to a title shot, determined to leave their mark on the division.