Virna Jandiroba could now be in prime position to challenge Weili Zhang for the strawweight championship following a submission win over former title challenger Amanda Lemos in the main event of Saturday's UFC Fight Night.
Jandiroba scored a takedown in the opening minute of the fight, looking to do what she does best. Lemos, however, had an arm around the neck and looked for a guillotine. The 36-year-old escaped, however, and remained in top control. A couple of minutes later, Lemos looked to scramble, only for Jandiroba to reverse and look for a leg lock. The longtime contender responded in kind with a toe hold.
Lemos landed some notable striking during that opening frame between scrambles, and she tried to bring out her striking again and focused on that in the second round. However, Jandiroba scored another takedown a couple of minutes into the round and got to Lemos' back in a scramble.
In the closing seconds of the round, the #5-ranked contender locked in an armbar and scored the submission.
Virna Jandiroba Submits Amanda Lemos In Headlining UFC Fight Night Strawweight Battle
Jandiroba has now won four straight and five of her last six. She called for a title fight in her post-fight interview and will likely be alongside Tatiana Suarez as one of two logical next challengers for the Chinese champ.
Lemos, meanwhile, is now 1-1 since losing a strawweight title fight with Weili Zhang at UFC 292 nearly one year ago.