This Saturday, Las Vegas will host a highly anticipated main event as two Brazilian fighters, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, square off at UFC Fight Night. Both athletes are vying for a chance to get one step closer to the coveted UFC women's strawweight title. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.
Amanda Lemos: The Powerhouse
With a record of 14-3-1, Amanda Lemos has made a name for herself as a formidable force in the strawweight division. Known for her striking ability, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, making her a top threat. Despite suffering a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded impressively with a victory over Mackenzie Dern. This win has bolstered her confidence and set her sights firmly on climbing back up the ranks for another title shot.
Lemos is candid about her past mistakes and her path to improvement. "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," she reflected. Her dedication to refining her skills and avoiding previous errors demonstrates her commitment to evolving as a fighter.
Her tenacity and resolve are evident in her approach to the sport. "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 said.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Specialist
Entering the octagon with an impressive record of 20-3, Virna Jandiroba is on a three-fight winning streak, showcasing her evolving prowess. As a former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill since debuting in the UFC on short notice against Carla Esparza in 2019.
Jandiroba's strength lies in her submission skills, having finished 11 out of 14 regional fights this way. Although her submission success hasn't been as consistent in the UFC, she remains a threat on the ground. Jandiroba attributes her recent success to her mental transformation. "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 asserted.
Reflecting on her abilities, Jandiroba expressed confidence in her potential. "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 explained.
Navigating the Path to the Title
As champion Zhang Weili prepares to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, both Lemos and Jandiroba see their upcoming fight as a pivotal moment. A win on Saturday could propel either fighter closer to a title shot, especially in a division brimming with talent.
Jandiroba's striking defense rate of 57% and her striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC, coupled with Lemos's lead in knockdowns, promise a clash of contrasting styles. Lemos’s power and striking proficiency will be tested against Jandiroba’s grappling and submission skills.
Both fighters have showcased notable growth in their recent performances. Lemos has shown improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, and Jandiroba has underscored the importance of mental strength in her recent streak of victories. This fight is not just about physical prowess but also about psychological resilience and strategic acumen.
Fans can expect an electrifying encounter as these two accomplished fighters bring their best to the octagon. With potential title implications on the line, every move, strike, and submission attempt will be scrutinized. The stage is set for a memorable showdown in Las Vegas, with both Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba ready to leave it all in the cage.