In the highly anticipated main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas this Saturday, two formidable Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will clash, each with their sights set on a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: A Knockout Threat
Amanda Lemos brings an impressive record of 14-3-1 into the Octagon. Widely regarded as the top threat in the strawweight division in terms of knockdowns, Lemos has proven her striking prowess time and again. Although she previously suffered a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos quickly rebounded with a hard-fought decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Her resilience and ability to learn from past mistakes have been pivotal in her comeback.
Reflecting on her journey, Lemos shared, "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." Her dedication and commitment to improvement are evident as she continues to refine her skills and bolster her chances for a title shot.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, an indicator of her striking capabilities and the threat she poses to her opponents. Her ability to deliver decisive blows could play a crucial role in her upcoming fight against Jandiroba.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Specialist
Virna Jandiroba enters the fight with an impressive record of 20-3 and is currently riding a three-fight winning streak. Known for her submission game, Jandiroba has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her success in securing submissions has not been as consistent in the UFC, a challenge she has been actively working to overcome.
Jandiroba's notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill, along with her experience as a former Invicta champion, highlight her formidable skills and resilience. Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, showcasing her readiness to compete at the highest level at a moment's notice.
Jandiroba attributes much of her recent success to a mental transformation, stating, "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." Her focus on mental fortitude has played a crucial role in her evolution as a fighter.
Paths to Victory
As Lemos and Jandiroba prepare to face off, their contrasting styles promise an intriguing matchup. Lemos's striking power and ability to secure knockdowns will be tested against Jandiroba's grappling and submission skills. Jandiroba's striking defense rate of 57% and her striking accuracy of around 38% underscore the areas she has been working to improve in her stand-up game.
Jandiroba's mindset is laser-focused on exploiting her grappling advantage. "I know I have the jiu-jitsu required to tap out many girls in the Top 10," she affirmed. "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." Her confidence in her grappling abilities could be the difference-maker in this bout.
Implications for the Title Picture
The stakes are high for both fighters as they aim to position themselves closer to a title shot. With champion Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, a victory for either Lemos or Jandiroba could significantly boost their standing in the division.
Lemos has been honing her skills since her loss to Zhang Weili, determined to rectify past mistakes and showcase her growth as a fighter. Jandiroba, on the other hand, has been emphasizing her mental game, equipping herself with the self-confidence needed to execute her submission strategies effectively.
As fight night approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are poised to deliver an electrifying showdown, each driven by the desire to secure their path to the UFC women's strawweight crown.