Tonight (Saturday, July 20, 2024), Virna Jandiroba and Amanda Lemos, two talented fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s Strawweight division, will go head-to-head at UFC Vegas 94, taking place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although I have doubts about it being a compelling main event, this Strawweight bout is undeniably of high quality. Jandiroba has impressively secured three consecutive victories against formidable opponents, earning her a spot in the Top Five rankings. Notably, she has not suffered a loss since 2021, leading some to believe that Jandiroba 2.0 could genuinely challenge for the title. This upcoming fight is her opportunity to prove that theory, as Lemos is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 125-pound division. While Jandiroba fell short against Zhang Weili in August 2023, Lemos possesses exceptional speed and power that grants her a significant advantage over most of her competitors.
Now, let’s delve into the betting odds and strategic factors for each athlete, examining them closely.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Jandiroba vs. Lemos Betting Odds
- Virna Jandiroba victory: +110
- The winner of the Virna Jandiroba fight is yet to be determined, as it could be decided by TKO, KO, or DQ.
- Virna Jandiroba via submission: TBD
- Virna Jandiroba via decision: TBD
- Amanda Lemos victory: -130
- The outcome of Amanda Lemos’ victory is yet to be determined, whether it be by TKO/KO/DQ.
- Amanda Lemos via submission: TBD
- Amanda Lemos via decision: TBD
- Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images How Jandiroba Wins
Jandiroba possesses exceptional skills as a jiu-jitsu black belt. Although her boxing abilities have improved steadily over time, her expertise lies in overpowering opponents and progressing her position to secure submissions.
What are the potential outcomes in this situation? The outcome largely relies on the positioning of the cage. If the fight takes place in an open area, Jandiroba may struggle due to her slower speed, making it difficult for her to time her shots effectively. However, if she manages to land a few jabs and guide Lemos towards the fence, Jandiroba’s skill in chain wrestling could come into play. In a prolonged and technically advanced wrestling exchange, Jandiroba is likely to be able to take her opponent down to the ground.
Jandiroba has the potential to completely control this fight if she manages to secure the top position.
If Jandiroba’s takedown attempt doesn’t succeed, she should follow the strategy of her previous opponent, Mackenzie Dern. She cannot defeat Lemos in a stand-up fight, so it would be wiser for her to either jump guard or go for leg locks instead of staying upright and risking getting hit hard.
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images How Lemos Wins
At the impressive age of 37, Lemos displays an astonishing speed and strength. Ever since she transitioned to Strawweight, she has become an instant force in the division due to her ability to inflict real damage on her opponents while remaining unfazed by their attempts. It’s almost unjust how dominant she is!
In her last bout, Lemos did great work in patiently taking apart Mackenzie Dern. She didn’t just wade in and throw bombs against the grappler, which risks giving up easy takedowns. Instead, she chopped apart Dern’s lead leg, left her desperate and wild, then started wailing away with huge punches.
It was highly effective in the past, and it is expected to be highly effective in this situation as well! Lemos’ agility and athleticism will enable her to strike first, and with only a few clean kicks, she can significantly restrict Jandiroba’s mobility. As a result, the difference in athleticism will continue to widen, leaving Lemos in a vulnerable position with limited options.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Jandiroba vs. Lemos Prediction
I anticipate Lemos, the woman athlete, to be the one capable of executing her game plan successfully, despite both athletes having viable routes to triumph.
To be honest, the difference in athleticism between Jandiroba and Lemos is so significant that I find it hard to believe Jandiroba stands a chance. It’s possible that I’m overestimating the importance of athleticism in this fight, but I anticipate Jandiroba will appear sluggish compared to Lemos. While Jandiroba may have better jiu-jitsu skills, it won’t matter if she can’t even catch Lemos. If Lemos remains agile and tactfully selects her moves, as she did against Dern, she should have no trouble dominating Jandiroba.
I believe the judges won’t have a say in this one. As time goes by, the accumulated damage will lead Lemos to secure a knockout victory in the later rounds of the championship.
Prediction: Lemos via TKO/KO/DQ ()
