This Saturday, Las Vegas will host an all-Brazilian showdown as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba take the center stage at UFC Fight Night, headlining the event at the UFC Apex. Both fighters are within arm’s reach of a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight crown, adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming bout.
Battle of the Brazilians
Amanda Lemos, with a seasoned record of 14-3-1, is recognized as the top threat in the strawweight division when it comes to knockdowns. Despite a setback with a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos showcased her resilience in a subsequent win over Mackenzie Dern, indicating her growing tactical prowess in the octagon.
Virna Jandiroba, boasting a 20-3 record, enters the match on a three-fight winning streak. Her resume is bolstered by impressive victories over notable competitors like Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba made her UFC debut in 2019 against Carla Esparza on short notice and has been a significant presence in the strawweight division since.
Strengths and Strategies
Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, and her striking ability poses a significant threat to any opponent. Yet, Jandiroba’s impressive striking defense rate of 57%, coupled with a striking accuracy of around 38%, provides her with the tools to potentially neutralize Lemos’ power. In stark contrast to Lemos’ aggressive striking, Jandiroba brings a sophisticated grappling game, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission. However, her submission successes in the UFC have been less consistent.
Both fighters aim to augment their records with a victory that could pave the way to a title shot. As Champion Zhang Weili prepares for her next fight against the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez, who holds a 10-0 record, the winner of the Lemos vs. Jandiroba bout could find themselves on the brink of facing the division’s elite.
Mental Preparation and Evolution
Amanda Lemos has emphasized her learning curve since her loss to Zhang Weili. "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," shared Lemos, reflecting on her journey and evolution as a fighter.
On the other hand, Jandiroba has highlighted the importance of mental strength in her recent successes. "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 stated, underscoring the mental transformation that has driven her recent performances.
Jandiroba further elaborated on her mental shift, saying, "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." Her renewed confidence and focus could be the edge she needs to overcome Lemos’ striking prowess.
As both fighters prepare for what's set to be an electrifying bout, their contrasting styles and mental fortitudes promise a thrilling spectacle for UFC fans. With a potential title shot looming on the horizon, Lemos and Jandiroba are prepared to leave everything in the octagon, driven by the dual aspirations of victory and championship contention.