UFC's Virna Jandiroba: 'The weirdness of everything I do' would create problems for Zhang Weili in title fight
Virna Jandiroba believes she has earned a shot at Zhang Weili's UFC strawweight title, and sees a path to victory behind her awkward style.
LAS VEGAS – Virna Jandiroba is ready for a shot at the UFC strawweight title.
In just her second fight on a UFC main card, Jandiroba (21-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was a headliner at UFC on ESPN 60 at the UFC Apex. The Brazilian strawweight took full advantage of her opportunity against Amanda Lemos and picked up her first stoppage win in over three years.
Jandiroba executed a slick transition from the back into an armbar submission that forced Lemos (14-4-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC) to tap in Round 2, and ultimately placing her name on the shortlist for title contention.
“The fight went in the best scenario that we could imagine,” Jandiroba said through an interpreter at a post-fight news conference. “I was for sure going to try to take it to the ground, and I was able to do it and find a submission.”
The result extended Jandiroba’s winning streak to four, including wins over Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, and Lupita Godinez. Jandiroba entered the fight as the promotionally ranked No. 5 strawweight, with Lemos two spots ahead.
If they were to flip spots when the UFC updates its rankings, that would leave Tatiana Suarez (No. 1) and Yan Xiaonan (No. 2) ahead of Jandiroba. Suarez has been dealing with injuries and Xiaonan lost her bid for the title at UFC 300. Jandiroba could very well end up being next for a shot at Zhang Weili’s title.
“You never know the plans with the UFC, but I believe that this win, the way it went, especially not just beating, but submitting a former title contender like Amanda who is extremely tough, I think it should get me a title shot,” Jandiroba said.
The unique grappling style that Jandiroba, 36, brings to the octagon could present a different challenge for Weili. That style was on full display in her first UFC main event against Lemos, where she excelled in the frantic scrambles on the mat. Jandiroba believes embracing that aspect of her game in a title fight could lead her to become champion.
“I fight weird,” Jandiroba said. “My style’s a little different. The way that I grapple is a little strange. I know my wrestling is very effective. My jiu-jitsu is very good. It’s not like you can say, ‘Oh, she’s a proper wrestler.’ But I make it work.
“Within the weirdness of everything that I do, I think that I create problems for most people, and that’s how I can beat her.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 60.