Two Brazilian fighters will command the spotlight in Las Vegas this Saturday, headlining UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are set for a high-stakes showdown that could bring either one of them closer to a coveted shot at the UFC women's strawweight title.
Amanda Lemos: The Knockout Specialist
Amanda Lemos steps into the octagon with an impressive record of 14-3-1, earning her reputation as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns. Lemos's career has been punctuated by fierce striking capability, making her a formidable opponent for anyone in her path.
Although Lemos previously faced a setback with a decision loss to the reigning champion Zhang Weili, she quickly bounced back with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her journey, 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."
Lemos's performance has noticeably improved since her bout with Weili, and she continues to refine her craft with each fight. "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," Lemos added. "How much more improvement was there? If I'm a better fighter [than the last time], I'm happy with my performance."
Virna Jandiroba: The Submission Expert
Across the octagon, Virna Jandiroba stands with an equally impressive record of 20-3. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba is currently riding a three-fight winning streak with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. She debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza and has since showcased her grappling prowess, finishing 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission.
However, Jandiroba's transition to the UFC has presented its own set of challenges. Her submission success rate has not been as consistent in the promotion, leading her to focus on mental fortitude and self-confidence. "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," Jandiroba explained. "I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth and my jiu-jitsu."
With a striking defense rate of 57% and an accuracy rate of around 38%, Jandiroba is aware of the areas she needs to improve. Yet, she remains confident in her ability to secure submissions: "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 Strawweight Title
Lemos and Jandiroba both have their sights set on the ultimate prize: a shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown. With Champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next—a fighter currently unbeaten with a 10-0 record—a win for either Lemos or Jandiroba this Saturday could be catalytic, propelling them closer to a title opportunity.
Lemos has demonstrated resilience and a capacity for growth, particularly since her loss to Weili. On the other hand, Jandiroba has emphasized a mental transformation that has underpinned her recent successes. Both fighters have unique strengths; Lemos with her unparalleled striking and knockdown potential, and Jandiroba with her formidable submission skills and evolving mental game.
The clash at the UFC Apex promises not only to entertain but also to shape the future landscape of the women’s strawweight division. As both Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba bring their refined skills and renewed mental focus into the octagon, fans can expect a riveting contest that may well determine the next top contender for the strawweight title.