Two rising stars in Brazilian mixed martial arts are set to headline UFC Fight Night this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both formidable contenders in the women's strawweight division, are prepared to make significant statements that could bring them closer to a title shot.
The Fighters
Amanda Lemos enters the octagon with a professional record of 14-3-1. Recognized as one of the most dangerous fighters in the strawweight division in terms of knockdowns, Lemos has constructed an impressive resume. Despite a decision loss to the current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos showcased her resilience and technique by securing a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Lemos's continued improvement places her squarely in the conversation for a title shot.
Virna Jandiroba boasts an impressive record of 20-3, highlighted by a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba has proven her mettle with notable victories over top contenders, including Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. The former Invicta champion debuted in the UFC on short notice in 2019 against Carla Esparza, demonstrating her readiness and adaptability. While her submission success has fluctuated since joining the UFC, her early career saw her finish 11 of 14 regional fights via submission.
Striking and Defense
Lemos leads the strawweight division in knockdowns, cementing her reputation as a potent striker. In contrast, Jandiroba relies on a robust striking defense, boasting a defense rate of 57%. However, her striking accuracy in the UFC lingers around 38%, indicating areas for potential improvement. The difference in their fighting styles sets the stage for a captivating clash where precision and power will play crucial roles.
Path to the Title
While Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez (10-0) next, a convincing win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could position them as the next in line for a title shot. Both fighters have clear motivations and understand the stakes of this high-profile match-up. Lemos has shown marked improvements since her bout with Zhang Weili, focusing on correcting past mistakes. "I learned a lot. We watched all my mistakes," she said. "I trained a lot to make sure I didn't commit them again."
Jandiroba, on the other hand, has emphasized the importance of mental transformation in 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 remarked. Her sharpened mental game has been instrumental in her ability to finish more fights decisively.
Preparation and Mindset
Amanda Lemos approaches each fight with an intent to finish but values growth above all. "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," shared Lemos. Her focus on continuous improvement and performance evaluation demonstrates a professional approach to her career.
Virna Jandiroba echoes a similar sentiment, underlining the mental aspects of fighting as a game-changer in her career trajectory. "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 explained. Jandiroba's confidence in her jiu-jitsu skills is a crucial factor she hopes will translate into more submission victories in the UFC.
As the clock ticks down to Saturday night, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which fighter will seize the spotlight and move one step closer to the coveted UFC women's strawweight title. With both Lemos and Jandiroba bringing distinct skills, experience, and renewed confidence into the octagon, this fight promises to be a compelling chapter in the unfolding story of the strawweight division.