This Saturday night, UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas will be headlined by an eagerly anticipated bout featuring two Brazilian fighters, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba. Both athletes are on the cusp of a potential title shot in the women's strawweight division and are eager to prove their mettle in the Octagon.
Two Paths Converge
Amanda Lemos enters the fight with a record of 14-3-1, widely recognized as one of the most formidable strikers in the strawweight division. Lemos holds the distinction of leading her weight class in knockdowns, a testament to her striking prowess. Although she suffered a setback in a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos bounced back strong with a decisive victory over Mackenzie Dern. "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 reflected on her previous encounters.
Virna Jandiroba, boasting a record of 20-3, is riding high on a three-fight winning streak. Her recent victories over notable competitors such as Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill have solidified her position as a top contender. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut on short notice against Carla Esparza in 2019. Known for her submission skills, Jandiroba has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, though her success in this area has been less consistent in the UFC. Even so, she remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude. "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 explained.
Stats and Strategy
Jandiroba’s defensive and offensive statistics point to a well-rounded fighter. She has a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy in the UFC of around 38%. These numbers indicate her ability to avoid damage while making the most of her striking opportunities. Meanwhile, Lemos’s unmatched top-ranking knockdowns amplify her threat level in any 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," Lemos stated, reflecting her focus on continuous growth.
As the two fighters prepare to clash, the broader context of the division adds another layer of intrigue to this bout. The champion, Zhang Weili, is expected to face Tatiana Suarez next. Suarez, with an unbeaten record of 10-0, stands as a significant challenge for any title contender. Therefore, a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba this weekend becomes even more crucial as it could potentially catapult them into a title fight in the near future.
Mental and Physical Preparedness
Amanda Lemos has demonstrated considerable improvement since her loss to Zhang Weili, showcasing resilience and adaptability in her subsequent fights. Her victories underscore Lemos's commitment to refining her technique and learning from past mistakes. Virna Jandiroba, on the other hand, attributes her recent triumphs to a significant mental transformation. "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 remarked, highlighting the psychological aspect of her preparation.
Saturday's fight promises to be a captivating matchup, blending the striking power of Lemos with the grappling acumen of Jandiroba. Fans can expect an explosive encounter as these two Brazilian fighters vie for supremacy in the strawweight division. With both athletes eyeing the ultimate prize—a shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown—the stakes could not be higher. As the Octagon lights up in Las Vegas, the world will be watching to see who will take a definitive step closer to a championship opportunity.