LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 19: (L-R) Opponents Amanda Lemos of Brazil and Virna Jandiroba of Brazil face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-ins at UFC APEX on July 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The main event of UFC Las Vegas 94 saw two UFC strawweight contenders step into the Octagon as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba battle it out for a title shot with a win at the UFC APEX.
Lemos (14-3-1) was fresh off a decision win over Mackenzie Dern in her first title challenge, a bout in which she lost to champion Zhang Weili.
Jandiroba (20-3) entered the Octagon on the back of a three-fight winning streak that included a decision victory over Lupe Godinez and is looking to secure her first title shot with the win over Lemos.
The first round started fairly slow until Lemos got the attack she wanted on Jandiroba, landing a powerful double leg takedown. After being held down for a few minutes, Lemos forced a scramble and the submission attempts began. First a knee bar from Jandiroba was close but not enough. Lemos then landed a toe hold, which Jandiroba responded with a toe hold before both women got to their feet. The round ended with Jandiroba forcing Lemos to put her weight on the fence to support herself.
In the second round, Lemos tried to block a takedown with uppercuts on Jandiroba, but also left her lead leg as bait. Jandiroba finally charged forward, forcing Lemos against the fence while clinging to her left leg, dragging her down. Lemos eventually got on top, the two scrambled, and Jandiroba got a back cut.
With over 90 seconds left in the round, Jandiroba attempted a rear-naked choke, which Lemos successfully defended, but Jandiroba came out with a left arm that clamped down on Lemos’ jaw.
Jandiroba was as skilled as ever on the ground and quickly transitioned to an armbar to force the tap, finishing her first main event bout and potentially earning a title shot.
OFFICIAL RESULT: Virna Jandirova def. Amanda Lemos, R2 SUB (arm bar), 4:48
