Anaheim, CA — Former strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos returned to the win column at UFC 298, defeating an opponent in Mackenzie Dern she admitted post-fight was a “beast in jiu-jitsu.”
The pair, however, spent more time on the feet than many expected.
“The fight stayed standing as much as possible,” said Lemos (14-3-1) backstage at the Honda Center in Anaheim, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. The Brazilian added that she was “trying to impose my game and avoid her, to avoid the possibility of her imposing her game which is taking me down. And getting up as soon as possible, and damaging her. When I was taken down there wasn’t much damage, I was able to get up and continue kicking and just continue to do my game, which is what I did.”
Lemos, who came up short against Weili Zhang last year, is hoping for a quick turnaround following a win that also saw her earn Fight of the Night honors at UFC 298.
“I’m ready. No damage in this fight, I want to go back there as soon as possible, because in 2024, I want to be, I’m going to be a champion at strawweight.”
With the UFC returning to Rio de Janeiro in May, UFC 301 could be an option for Lemos. “Surely I’d love to fight, whoever it is against. And if it’s May, I’ll be ready and ready to put on a show.”
Watch the full UFC 298 post-fight press conference with Amanda Lemos above.
