Two of Brazil's top strawweight fighters are set to headline UFC Fight Night this coming Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will take center stage, each aiming for a crucial victory that could elevate them to title contention in the UFC women's strawweight division.
Amanda Lemos: Bouncing Back and Knocking Down
Amanda Lemos, with a record of 14-3-1, has established herself as a formidable force in the strawweight category. Known for her striking prowess, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, making her a significant threat every time she steps into the octagon. Her remarkable skill set, particularly in striking, was evident even when she faced setbacks.
Despite a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos managed to bounce back impressively with a 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." This ability to learn from her experiences and come back stronger is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Lemos's ambition to improve is relentless. "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," she added. Her focus is not just on winning but on becoming a better version of herself with each fight.
Virna Jandiroba: Mental Transformation and Submission Expertise
Virna Jandiroba, boasting a record of 20-3, enters this bout riding a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has carved out a name for herself with notable wins over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. However, her journey has not been without its challenges.
Jandiroba's UFC debut came on short notice against Carla Esparza in 2019, which proved to be a significant learning experience. Despite her prowess in submission, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via this method, consistency has eluded her in the UFC. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic and focused on improving her mental game, identifying it as a crucial element 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," Jandiroba stated. Emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude, she added, "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."
What's at Stake
The stakes are high for both fighters as a win could potentially edge them closer to a title shot. Currently, the strawweight division is abuzz with activity, with champion Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next. Suarez holds a perfect 10-0 record, making her a formidable opponent for Zhang.
This context only heightens the importance of the bout between Lemos and Jandiroba. A victory for either fighter could not only propel them into the title conversation but also establish them as one of the top threats in the division. Lemos's ability to improve post-loss and Jandiroba's enhanced mental game add intriguing layers to this matchup.
Lemos’s striking acumen, leading the division in knockdowns, will be juxtaposed against Jandiroba’s submission skills and her notable striking defense rate of 57%. Additionally, Jandiroba's striking accuracy, hovering around 38%, will be tested against Lemos's relentless aggression and technical prowess.
As both fighters prepare for what promises to be an electrifying clash, the UFC Apex will witness not only a battle of skills but also a contest of resilience and mental strength. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are poised to deliver a memorable fight, each bringing their unique strengths and improved capabilities to the octagon. For fans and the strawweight division alike, this main event could be a defining moment in the careers of these two Brazilian warriors.