Two of Brazil's finest mixed martial artists are set to take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for what promises to be an electrifying main event at UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will clash at the UFC Apex, with both fighters eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockout Specialist
Amanda Lemos, with a record of 14-3-1, has made a name for herself as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. Though she suffered a decision loss to reigning champion Zhang Weili, Lemos swiftly rebounded with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. This win showcased her resilience and marked an important step in her journey toward the top.
"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 said, reflecting on her fight with Zhang Weili.
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, demonstrating her potential to end fights decisively. Her improved performance post-Weili loss positions her as a formidable opponent, always looking for the knockout opportunity.
"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 added.
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Expert
Standing across the octagon from Lemos will be Virna Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion with an impressive 20-3 record. Jandiroba is riding high on a three-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Her entry into the UFC in 2019 was no small feat; she debuted on short notice against Carla Esparza.
Jandiroba's skills are not confined to striking; she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her success with submissions has not been as consistent in the UFC. Despite this, her striking defense rate of 57% and striking accuracy of around 38% illustrate her well-rounded capabilities.
"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 admitted.
The mental aspect of her game has been a focal point for Jandiroba, and her recent performances reflect this transformation. She feels more capable than ever of submitting top-tier fighters, stating, "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."
The Path to the Title
With both athletes making compelling cases for a future title shot, this matchup holds significant implications. Champion Zhang Weili is anticipated to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, a fighter boasting a 10-0 record. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could bring them tantalizingly close to a shot at the strawweight crown.
Lemos' knockout power versus Jandiroba's evolving submission game sets the stage for an intriguing clash of styles. The fight is not just a test of skill, but of how each fighter has grown mentally and physically in their quest for UFC glory. The eyes of the MMA world will be on Las Vegas this Saturday, awaiting the outcome of a bout that promises high stakes and high drama.