Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage in Las Vegas this Saturday for the main event of UFC Fight Night. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both formidable contenders, will clash at the UFC Apex, each eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown.
Lemos' Rise and Setbacks
Amanda Lemos, with a record of 14-3-1, has firmly established herself as the top threat in the strawweight division when it comes to knockdowns. After suffering a tough decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded strongly, securing a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. "It was an amazing opportunity and a dream come true," Lemos said, reflecting on her growth. "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' determination to evolve as a fighter is evident. "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 Consistent Climb
Virna Jandiroba, boasting a 20-3 record, is riding a three-fight winning streak. Known for her grappling prowess, Jandiroba has secured notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza and has continued to make strides within the division.
Jandiroba has a commendable striking defense rate of 57% and an accuracy rate of approximately 38% in the UFC. Despite her grappling success outside the UFC, her submission rate has been less consistent since joining the organization. This hasn't dampened her spirit, though. "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 revealed.
Her focus on mental transformation has been pivotal. "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 said.
The Stakes
The stakes couldn't be higher for Lemos and Jandiroba. With champion Zhang Weili expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next, the outcome of this fight could catapult either Brazilian closer to a title shot. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, while Jandiroba continues to build on her impressive resume with a strong emphasis on mental fortitude.
Both fighters have shown significant improvement since their early days in the sport. Lemos has improved her performance since her loss to Zhang Weili, and Jandiroba's recent successes can be attributed to her mental transformation. As they prepare to enter the Octagon, both fighters understand the gravity of this bout.
The clash between Lemos and Jandiroba is not just a fight; it’s a testament to their resilience, skill, and unwavering determination to reach the pinnacle of the strawweight division. As the UFC Fight Night approaches, fans eagerly anticipate a high-stakes battle that could redefine the trajectories of these two talented athletes.