Two UFC strawweights stepped into the octagon in the main event at UFC Vegas 94 as Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba battled for what they hoped would be a title shot with a victory at the UFC APEX.
Lemos (14-3-1) was coming off a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern following her first title challenge fight. She lost that to champion Zhang Weili.
Jandiroba (20-3) entered the octagon on a three-fight win streak most recently winning a decision over Lupe Godinez as she attempted to earn her first title shot with a win over Lemos.
Round 1 began pretty slow until Lemos gave Jandiroba the look she wanted and shot in with a nasty double leg takedown. After being held down for minutes Lemos forced a scramble and the submission attempts began. First it was Jandiroba with a knee bar that was close but not in. Then Lemos with a toe hold, which Jandiroba responded to with one of her own, then both got to the feet. Round ended with Jandiroba trying to force Lemos to carry her weight on the fence.
Round 2 Lemos came out showing Jandiroba the uppercut to discourage the takedown, but also leaving that lead leg out as bait. Jandiroba finally shot in and put Lemos on the fence still hanging onto her left leg and then dragged her down. Lemos ended up on top, they scrambled, and Jandiroba ended up on the back.
Jandiroba threatened the rear-naked choke with over 90 seconds left in the round. Lemos defended it well until Jandiroba got her left arm into play and squeezed on Lemos’s chin.
Slick as ever on the ground Jandiroba switched over to a quick arm bar and got the tap. Jandiroba got a finish in her first main event bout, and possibly earned a title shot.
Official Result: Virna Jandiroba def. Amanda Lemos via R2 SUB (Arm Bar), 4:48
