Las Vegas is set to host an electrifying main event this Saturday as Brazil's finest, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, square off at UFC Fight Night. Both fighters bring compelling narratives and impressive records to the octagon, each eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Path to the Apex
Amanda Lemos boasts a record of 14-3-1 and is celebrated as the strawweight division's foremost threat in terms of knockdowns. After facing a decision loss to the current champion, Zhang Weili, Lemos demonstrated her resilience by bouncing back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her loss to Weili, 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."
Meanwhile, Virna Jandiroba, with an impressive 20-3 record, is riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba has chalked up notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill, and holds the distinction of being a former Invicta champion. Making her debut in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has endeavored to find consistency in her submission game, given her regional record of finishing 11 of 14 fights via submission. She remarked on her recent 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."
Knockdown Power vs. Submission Skills
Lemos holds the edge in knockdown statistics, underscoring her striking prowess. Yet, despite suffering a defeat to Zhang Weili, she continues to be regarded as a top contender in the strawweight division. Her commitment to improvement post-defeat is evident, and she emphasizes the value of evolving as a fighter: "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."
On the other side, Jandiroba's strength lies in her grappling and submission skills, though her success rate in the UFC has not mirrored her regional achievements. Boasting a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy around 38%, her ability to ward off significant strikes is commendable. Reflecting on her mental and skill growth, Jandiroba stated, "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 Road to the Title
As both fighters step into the octagon this Saturday, the stakes couldn't be higher with Champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, presents a significant challenge for whoever emerges victorious in this matchup. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba could undoubtedly position them closer to a title shot and propel them further up the strawweight rankings.
In a division teeming with talent, both Lemos and Jandiroba have proven their mettle. Lemos has shown marked improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, underscoring a focused resolve to correct past errors. Jandiroba, with her new mental fortitude and sharpened skills, has placed herself as a formidable opponent determined to reclaim her submission dominance.
This highly anticipated bout promises a clash of styles and wills, with Lemos's striking power facing off against Jandiroba's grappling expertise. As fight night approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter that could significantly shape the future of the UFC women's strawweight division.