Two Brazilian fighters are set to take center stage this Saturday in Las Vegas, as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba headline UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex. Both athletes are eyeing a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown, making this bout a crucial stepping stone in their careers.
Amanda Lemos: A Force to Reckon With
Amanda Lemos, with a professional record of 14-3-1, has established herself as a formidable force in the strawweight division. Known for her exceptional striking prowess, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, earning her the reputation as the top threat in terms of knockdowns.
Lemos suffered a setback with a decision loss to Zhang Weili, the current champion. However, she demonstrated her resilience by rebounding with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her journey, Lemos stated, "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."
She further emphasized her continuous improvement and mindset, adding, "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."
Virna Jandiroba: A Return to Form
Virna Jandiroba enters the cage with an impressive record of 20-3, riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. Jandiroba, a former Invicta champion, has claimed notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Making her UFC debut in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has shown resilience and growth in her performances.
Though Jandiroba has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, her submission success in the UFC has not been as consistent. This inconsistency has driven a mental transformation in her recent fights. "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.
Highlighting her renewed mindset, Jandiroba added, "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 Forward
As both fighters prepare for this pivotal clash, they are fully aware of the stakes. With champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, the winner of this fight could inch closer to a title shot. Suarez, unbeaten with a 10-0 record, presents a formidable challenge in her own right.
Lemos has shown significant improvement since her loss to Weili, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Conversely, Jandiroba's mental transformation and sharpened skills have fueled her recent successes, making her a dangerous contender.
In terms of statistical comparison, Lemos holds the edge with her knockdown power, making her the division's leader in knockdowns. Meanwhile, Jandiroba boasts a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC, showcasing her well-rounded skills inside the octagon.
This bout is more than just a fight; it represents a milestone for both athletes. A victory on Saturday could propel them closer to their ultimate goal of becoming the UFC women's strawweight champion. Their journey, marked by perseverance, skill, and mental fortitude, will unfold under the bright lights of the UFC Apex.