Invicta FC strawweight champion Virna Jandiroba will be making her promotional debut at UFC Fort Lauderdale, so we got to know more about her.
In case you missed it, the former Invicta strawweight champion, Virna Jandiroba, got the call up to the UFC to take on Carla Esparza at UFC Fort Lauderdale this weekend on ESPN+. As mentioned in our recent piece, Jandiroba has a shot to make a quick ascension towards the 115-pound title in the UFC. We reached out to Virna Jandiroba and talked with her about her upcoming fight, what got her interested in mixed martial arts, and the upcoming title fight between Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade.
It was originally the mysticism of mixed martial arts that drew Virna to the sport. “I had my first contact with the fight game as a child in Kung Fu, I thought it was beautiful and I was fascinated by something mysterious that I noticed in the martial arts!” But, as with many people, Virna Jandiroba started suffering from anxiety. Her only escape: Jiu-Jitsu. “Later, I became a professional in Jiu-Jitsu in a period when I was having anxiety attacks and training brought me more tranquility.”
Mixed martial arts runs deep in Brazil. With some of the most loyal fans in the entire world, heritage runs deep in the sport. And heritage is important to Virna as well.
“The history of these people inspires me a lot. I’ve been in some competitions with Amanda [Nunes]. We came from the same region of my country and I saw her doing great things and I’m glad for it! Now it’s my turn to show me the world!”
The famous phone call from Dana White is something that young fighters around the world dream of. Virna Jandiroba describes that feeling here.
“It was something we had been waiting for a while, but it is undoubtedly an indescribable sensation!” When you put in so much work, so much time, into a craft or art, getting recognized as one of the best in the world is one of the best moments. “It is the fulfillment of a dream, which was once only mine and now many people are embracing.”
As for her upcoming fight with former champ, Carla Esparza, Virna is respectful but not intimidated by the credentials of Esparza. “We have been preparing for any fight for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Carla. She’s a great athlete, but I’ve been training my whole life for any fight!” Jandiroba is ready for anyone, any time, anywhere.
Eyes are now on the main event of UFC 237 between champion Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade. Virna Jandiroba has a special interest in the fight, being in the weight class. Jandiroba gives her thoughts on the fight:
“I think it’s going to be a great fight! A fight of champions. I’m rooting for Jessica, who besides being Brazilian, we’ve already shared many moments together.”
Be sure to follow Virna Jandiroba on Instagram and Twitter for all the latest news on her and her career.
