Two Brazilian Fighters Set for High-Stakes Clash in Las Vegas
This Saturday, the spotlight will shine brightly on two Brazilian fighters as they headline UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, both vying for a potential shot at the UFC women’s strawweight crown, are poised for a clash that promises intense competition and high drama.
Amanda Lemos: Setting the Pace
Amanda Lemos, with an impressive record of 14-3-1, is recognized as the strawweight division’s top threat in terms of knockdowns. Known for her formidable striking capabilities, Lemos leads the division in this critical metric. Despite a setback with a decision loss to current champion Zhang Weili, Lemos showcased resilience by rebounding with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. Reflecting on her journey, Lemos shares, “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.”
This ability to learn from past experiences and continually improve has defined Lemos' career. She further emphasizes the importance of evaluating her growth as a fighter, stating, “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: The Submission Specialist
On the other side of the octagon stands Virna Jandiroba, boasting a 20-3 record and riding the momentum of a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba's martial prowess is well-documented, with notable victories over Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. Since her UFC debut in 2019, where she stepped in on short notice against Carla Esparza, Jandiroba has demonstrated her versatility and tenacity. Remarkably, she has finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission, although her submission success in the UFC has been somewhat less consistent.
One significant evolution in Jandiroba’s approach has been her mental transformation, which she attributes to 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 reveals.
Building on this newfound confidence, Jandiroba expresses her readiness to climb the ranks. “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 adds.
Stakes and Expectations
With both fighters eyeing a potential title shot, the stakes for Saturday’s bout are undeniably high. Champion Zhang Weili is expected to face the undefeated Tatiana Suarez next, who holds a spotless 10-0 record. A victory for either Lemos or Jandiroba could position them as strong contenders for a future shot at the strawweight title.
Lemos' striking prowess will be tested against Jandiroba’s robust striking defense, which boasts a rate of 57%. Conversely, Jandiroba's striking accuracy in the UFC, around 38%, will be challenged as she seeks to add another significant victory to her record.
Both fighters have compelling narratives of resilience and improvement. Lemos's journey of refining her game post-defeat and Jandiroba's focus on mental fortitude weave a narrative of two athletes who are not only physically prepared but mentally fortified for what lies ahead.
This showdown is more than just a fight; it is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the intricate balance of physical skill and mental strength in the octagon. As the cage door closes behind them in Las Vegas, the MMA world will be watching closely to see which Brazilian fighter inches closer to the ultimate prize in the UFC women’s strawweight division.