Two Brazilian fighters will take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday, as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba clash at the UFC Apex for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Both athletes have their sights set on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown, making this a pivotal bout in their careers.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
With a record of 14-3-1, Amanda Lemos has established herself as a formidable force in the strawweight division, known particularly for her knockdown power. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, the division's champion, Lemos showcased her resilience by rebounding with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern.
Lemos's journey in the UFC has been marked by a continuous pursuit of improvement. Reflecting on her bout with Zhang Weili, she noted, "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 focus on growth and evolution as a fighter is evident. "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 added.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Ace
Virna Jandiroba enters the octagon with a 20-3 record and on a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has had notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Since her UFC debut in 2019, where she stepped in on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has shown considerable promise.
While her success in submissions was a hallmark in regional fights, having finished 11 of 14 regional bouts via submission, it hasn't translated as consistently in the UFC. Nevertheless, Jandiroba has emphasized a mental transformation as key to her recent successes. "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 shared.
Jandiroba's mental shift has played a critical 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," she remarked.
The Stakes
Both fighters understand the magnitude of this bout. With the strawweight champion, Zhang Weili, expected to face unbeaten Tatiana Suarez (10-0), a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could propel them closer to a coveted title shot.
Lemos, leading the division with the most knockdowns, has demonstrated improved performance since her bout with Zhang Weili. On the other hand, Jandiroba's striking defense, holding at 57%, alongside a striking accuracy of 38%, showcases her all-rounded capabilities.
As they prepare to clash at the UFC Apex, the anticipation is palpable. This bout represents more than just a fight; it's a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and a chance to solidify their position in the strawweight division.
The fight promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both athletes bringing their unique strengths to the octagon. Whether it's Lemos's knockdown power or Jandiroba's submission skills, fans are set for an electrifying main event.