Amanda Lemos Takes Inventory

Amanda Lemos had no choice but to look in the mirror and reassess her position if she wanted to move forward in the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s strawweight division.

The onetime Jungle Fight champion will attempt to rebound from her second loss in three outings when she meets Iasmin Lucindo in a featured UFC 313 attraction on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Lemos holds an 8-4 record across her 12 assignments inside the Octagon. She last fought on July 20, when she submitted to a Virna Jandiroba armbar in the second round of their UFC on ESPN 60 main event.

“It didn’t feel good, but I learned a lot from it,” Lemos told Sherdog.com. “I came back to my gym, and we made several adjustments. I’m coming back stronger and very different. I’m more complete now.”

Lucindo poses a serious risk. The 23-year-old former Samurai Fight House titleholder has rattled off four consecutive victories and climbed into the Top 10 rankings at 115 pounds. Lucindo last competed at UFC 307, where she eked out a split decision over Marina Rodriguez in their three-round pairing on Oct. 5.

“Iasmin is young, and she’s doing very well in the UFC,” Lemos said. “I believe that I’m the hardest opponent she’s ever faced—the toughest, for sure. I’m training hard to get a finish before the end of the third round. I don’t like to leave it to the judges. I’m very ready. I’m feeling great, and I have no injuries. I’m confident that once I’m in there, I’ll impose my game.

“Without a doubt, I have many weapons I can show when I step into the Octagon,” she added. “I’ll be a more aggressive, technical and intelligent Amanda. We made some changes. My training camp was excellent. I’ve had no injuries during this camp. I’m super focused on getting a finish and starting a new winning streak.”

Lemos fought for the undisputed women’s strawweight crown in August 2023, losing a lopsided unanimous decision to Weili Zhang. While she undoubtedly wants to get back in position for another run at the title, she understands more pressing business awaits.

“I don’t think too far ahead,” Lemos said. “I take it one step at a time. What’s left to do is beating Iasmin. Then I’ll think about what’s next. Right now, I’m 100% focused on her. You can expect a battle. At every moment, I’ll be looking to finish the fight.”