Two Brazilian fighters are set to light up the UFC Apex this Saturday as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba headline the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Both are vying for a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight championship, and their performances could bring them one step closer to that coveted title.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockdown Specialist
Amanda Lemos comes into this fight with an impressive record of 14-3-1 and is renowned for her knockout power in the strawweight division. Lemos solidified her reputation as a top threat, leading the division in knockdowns. Although she suffered a decision loss to champion Zhang Weili, Lemos bounced back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and improvement.
Reflecting on her learning 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 determination and focus on growth have made Lemos a formidable contender in the division.
Additionally, Lemos emphasized her evolving perspective on fighting, stating, "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."
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Expert
Virna Jandiroba enters the octagon with a record of 20-3 and is riding a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Since her UFC debut in 2019 against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has proven herself to be a tenacious and skilled competitor. Although her submission success isn’t as consistent in the UFC, she has an impressive record of finishing 11 of 14 regional fights via submission.
Jandiroba attributes her recent successes to a mental transformation, saying, "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."
This renewed self-belief is what Jandiroba believes has set her on the path to more finishes in the division. "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.
Paths to Victory
Lemos and Jandiroba bring contrasting styles into the octagon. Lemos, with her striking acumen, aims to keep the fight standing where she can utilize her knockout power. On the other hand, Jandiroba will likely look to capitalize on her grappling expertise to secure a submission victory. Jandiroba boasts a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC, statistics that highlight her well-rounded skill set. However, overcoming Lemos's top-notch knockout capability will require more than just defense.
With the current champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, both Lemos and Jandiroba understand the importance of a definitive win in securing their place in the title picture. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, represents a looming challenge for whoever emerges victorious from the Lemos vs. Jandiroba bout.
The Stakes are High
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on these two Brazilian warriors. A victory could significantly alter the trajectory of their careers, bringing them one step closer to their dream of becoming a UFC champion. Lemos's statement about avoiding past mistakes and her commitment to continuous improvement speaks volumes about her readiness for this challenge. Meanwhile, Jandiroba's focus on mental fortitude and self-belief underscores the inner battles fighters must win to succeed.
Ultimately, the fight promises to be a thrilling and strategic contest between two highly skilled athletes. Both Lemos and Jandiroba have showcased their potential to dominate, and their hunger for victory will make for a captivating showdown at the UFC Apex. The winner not only inches closer to a title shot but also earns the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.