Two rising Brazilian stars are set to take center stage in Las Vegas at UFC Fight Night this Saturday, as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba clash in the main event at the UFC Apex. Both fighters are eyeing a shot at the coveted UFC women's strawweight title, and this bout represents a significant stepping stone for their championship aspirations.
Lemos' Knockout Power
Amanda Lemos, boasting a record of 14-3-1, is known for her formidable knockdown power. As one of the strawweight division's top threats, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, showcasing her striking prowess. However, her journey has not been without setbacks. Lemos suffered a decision loss to the reigning champion, Zhang Weili, but she has bounced back convincingly. Her recent decision victory over Mackenzie Dern demonstrates her resilience and continuous improvement.
Reflecting on her growth, 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." This commitment to learning and evolving has been pivotal in her recovery and performance enhancements.
Lemos is focused on refining her skills and becoming a better fighter with each bout. "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.
Jandiroba's Submission Game
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba brings a strong grappling background, with a professional record of 20-3. Jandiroba is riding a three-fight winning streak and has notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. As a former Invicta champion, she has made a significant impact since her UFC debut in 2019, which she took on short notice against Carla Esparza.
Jandiroba has demonstrated her submission skills, finishing 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. Nonetheless, her submission success in the UFC has been less consistent. Despite this, her recent performances indicate a resurgence, thanks in part to a 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 explained.
Jandiroba's increased self-belief has been a critical factor in her recent rise. "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 stated. Her emphasis on mental fortitude complements her technical skills, making her a formidable opponent in the strawweight division.
Implications for the Title Picture
This highly anticipated clash between Lemos and Jandiroba carries significant implications for the strawweight title picture. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, a fighter with a perfect 10-0 record. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba on Saturday could propel them closer to a title shot, especially given their recent form and aspirations.
Lemos has shown improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, and a decisive victory over Jandiroba could solidify her status as a top contender. Meanwhile, Jandiroba's emphasis on mental transformation and enhanced submission skills positions her as a dangerous challenger eager to secure her place among the division's elite.
As the UFC Fight Night approaches, all eyes will be on these two Brazilian fighters, both determined to prove they belong at the top of the strawweight division. With potential title implications at stake, their bout promises to deliver high-stakes action and showcase the evolving talents of Lemos and Jandiroba.