Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will clash at the UFC Apex, both with their eyes firmly set on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Story of Amanda Lemos
With a record of 14-3-1, Amanda Lemos comes into this fight as one of the strawweight division’s most dangerous contenders. Known for her ability to score knockdowns, Lemos has consistently proven why she is a top threat in her category. Although she suffered a decision loss to champion Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded with an impressive decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her journey, Lemos said, "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 is known for her relentless training and determination to overcome past mistakes, marking improvements in her performance since her setback against Weili. She reflects on her training ethos, "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's Rise
On the other side of the Octagon, Virna Jandiroba comes in with a formidable 20-3 record and is riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill and is a former Invicta champion. Her UFC journey began in 2019 when she debuted on short notice against Carla Esparza. Since then, her journey in the UFC has been marked by perseverance and mental transformation.
Jandiroba has an impressive record of finishing 11 of 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission success hasn’t translated as consistently in the UFC. According to Jandiroba, this was more a mental barrier than a reflection of her skills. "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 revealed.
Her recent resurgence can be attributed to this newfound mental resilience. "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," Jandiroba shared.
The Path to the Title
This bout between Lemos and Jandiroba holds significant weight in the strawweight division. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face unbeaten Tatiana Suarez, who boasts a 10-0 record, in upcoming matches. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could potentially position them closer to a coveted title shot, making this fight crucial for both fighters.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, while Jandiroba’s striking defense rate stands at an impressive 57%, with a striking accuracy in the UFC hovering around 38%. Both fighters have made significant strides in their MMA careers, focusing not just on physical prowess but also mental fortitude. Jandiroba’s emphasis on mental transformation and Lemos’s resolve to never repeat past mistakes have shaped them into formidable opponents.
As these two Brazilian powerhouses prepare to lock horns in Las Vegas, fans can expect a thrilling contest. With their contrasting styles – Lemos’s striking capabilities against Jandiroba’s grappling prowess – the narrative is set for an exciting chapter in the UFC strawweight division. The outcome could serve as a stepping stone for one of them towards a title shot, elevating their status in the hierarchy of the sport.