Two Brazilian Fighters Headline UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas
This Saturday, fight fans will witness an electrifying main event at UFC Fight Night as two Brazilian warriors, Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, face off at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Both fighters are aiming for a potential shot at the UFC women's strawweight title, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Amanda Lemos, holding a record of 14-3-1, has established herself as a formidable force in the strawweight division. Known for her striking power, Lemos leads the division in knockdowns, a testament to her prowess inside the Octagon. Her most recent bout saw her rebound from a decision loss to Zhang Weili with a hard-fought decision victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing her resilience and determination.
"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 reflected on her loss to Weili. She added, "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."
On the other side of the Octagon stands Virna Jandiroba with an impressive record of 20-3. Jandiroba is currently riding a three-fight winning streak and has notable victories over top competitors like Marina Rodriguez and Angela Hill. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza and has since made a name for herself with her grappling skills, having finished 11 of her 14 regional fights via submission.
However, her submission success has not consistently translated to the UFC stage. Jandiroba has been working diligently to address this, recognizing that the mental aspect of the sport is just as crucial as physical talent. "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. "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."
Jandiroba's striking defense rate stands at 57%, and her striking accuracy is around 38%, underscoring the areas she aims to fine-tune in her quest for victory. A win for either Lemos or Jandiroba this Saturday could significantly boost their chances of earning a title shot, especially with the current champion, Zhang Weili, expected to face the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez next.
The journey of both fighters to this pivotal moment has been marked by growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Lemos has turned her defeat into a learning experience, diligently working to improve every aspect of her game. Jandiroba, meanwhile, has emphasized a mental transformation, believing that her newfound self-confidence will translate to more finishes inside the cage.
As fight night approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Will Lemos’s striking power and recent improvements carry her to victory, or will Jandiroba’s grappling expertise and mental fortitude prevail? What is certain is that this bout has all the makings of an unforgettable encounter, with both fighters leaving it all in the Octagon for a shot at the ultimate prize in their division.
For Jandiroba and Lemos, Saturday night in Las Vegas won't just be another fight. It's a step closer to realizing their dreams of holding UFC gold. With their skills honed and spirits high, both athletes are ready to give fans a fight to remember.