Two Brazilian fighters are set to headline an electrifying UFC Fight Night event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both with their eyes on the coveted UFC women's strawweight title, promise to deliver an unforgettable main event.
Amanda Lemos boasts a formidable record of 14-3-1 and has garnered a reputation as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. Despite suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos demonstrated resilience and skill by making a strong comeback with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Her improved performance since the loss to Zhang Weili has not gone unnoticed, and she remains a significant contender in the division.
"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 reflected on her past experiences and growth. 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."
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba enters the bout with a strong record of 20-3 and is currently riding an impressive three-fight winning streak. The former Invicta champion has notable victories over fighters like Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Since debuting in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has proven herself as a formidable opponent. However, her submission success, which was brilliant in regional fights with 11 finishes out of 14, has been inconsistent in the UFC.
Jandiroba's recent success can be attributed to more than just physical training. "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 said about her mental transformation. "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."
Statistically, the match-up between Lemos and Jandiroba is quite intriguing. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, showcasing her striking prowess. Jandiroba, on the other hand, brings a solid striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC. These statistics hint at a highly competitive fight where both athletes can capitalize on their strengths.
Adding to the intensity of this bout is the looming potential title shot. With reigning champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could catapult them closer to a shot at the strawweight crown. Suarez, who holds an unbeaten record of 10-0, presents another layer of competition for the aspiring contenders. However, both Lemos and Jandiroba are determined to prove they deserve their place in the title conversation.
As the clock ticks down to their highly anticipated clash, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Lemos's knockdown power or Jandiroba's tactical submission game will reign supreme. This bout is not just a fight; it’s a statement of intent from two elite fighters who have mentally and physically prepared to leave everything in the octagon.
Regardless of the outcome, Saturday's main event at UFC Fight Night promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. With high stakes and even higher anticipation, Lemos versus Jandiroba is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle that could shape the future landscape of the UFC women’s strawweight division.