Lemos v Jandiroba fight preview & UFC betting picks | July 20

UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba at the Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday shapes as a potential challenger decider between top-ranked women’s strawweights. Lemos is working back toward another shot at UFC gold, while Jandiroba is climbing the rankings and will emerge as the likely contender if she can win again. Read on for BP’s full fight preview and betting picks.

Lemos v Jandiroba main event preview

Amanda Lemos vs Virna Jandiroba

Amanda Lemos (14-3-1) has built a strong record since 2022 with three wins and one loss to earn a top-three ranking in the women’s strawweight division. The loss was a title shot against reigning champion Zhang Weili during which Lemos was outpointed but competitive across five rounds of high-level action.

The 37-year-old is a heavy striker who likes to plant the feet and land hard inside shots to the head and body. Lemos also boasts a solid ground game that normally acts as a follow-up to her stand-up pressure. The Brazilian can gas slightly toward the end of rounds and will need to pace herself if this fight lasts beyond the third round.

Virna Jandiroba (20-3-0) brings a similar recent record into this contest, with three wins and one loss since 2021. The Brazilian’s early career is dotted with submission victories, but her last four fights have gone the distance, where her volume and activity have been rewarded by the judges.

The 36-year-old is more adept on the mat than in the striking department but can wear a punch and moves well around the octagon. Jandiroba is the slight favourite with online bookmakers, which is surprising given her lower ranking and lack of high-profile experience.

Amanda Lemos v Virna Jandiroba predictions

It looks as though the top UFC betting sites have mispriced this matchup. The fighters are almost identical in height and reach, and if Lemos can keep the fight standing for long periods, she should be able to out-strike the favourite. Despite their age, both athletes are rugged and sturdy and do not have a history of being knocked out.

The danger to Lemos might be her cardio in the latter rounds, but she should have learned some lessons in pacing during the loss to Zhang. If the fight is to be finished, it will likely be Lemos via knockout or Jandiroba via submission. Given the odds, Lemos appeals as the better betting option.

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