Amanda Lemos is a talented MMA fighter hailing from Brazil. With a strong focus on striking and submissions, she has made a name for herself in the world of martial arts. Born on May 22, 1987, Lemos competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As a member of the Marajó Brothers Team, she has been active in the sport since 2014, amassing an impressive professional record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. Let’s dive deeper into the journey of this remarkable martial artist.
Early Career and Championship Win
Amanda Lemos started her professional MMA journey in the Brazilian regional circuit, specifically in Jungle Fight. With an undefeated record of 5-0, Lemos faced off against Mayra Cantuária for the Jungle Fight Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2016. The initial encounter between the two fighters resulted in a majority draw, setting the stage for an intense rematch.
In their second bout, Amanda Lemos showcased her striking prowess and determination, ultimately securing a third-round knockout victory to claim the Jungle Fight Women’s Bantamweight Championship. This triumph marked a significant milestone in Lemos’ early career, highlighting her skills as a formidable striker in the Bantamweight division.
“Winning the Jungle Fight Women’s Bantamweight Championship was a major achievement for me. It proved that I had the talent and drive to succeed in the world of MMA. It was a hard-fought battle, but I never gave up, and I’m proud of what I accomplished in that fight.”
UFC Debut and Suspension
Amanda Lemos made her highly anticipated UFC debut on short notice, stepping in to replace Lina Länsberg in a bout against Leslie Smith at UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio in 2017. Despite her impressive skills, Lemos faced a tough challenge and unfortunately suffered a second-round knockout loss to Smith. It was a setback in her career, but Lemos remained determined to bounce back.
However, in 2018, Lemos faced another obstacle when she received a two-year suspension from USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency). The suspension came after she tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol and its metabolite. The decision put a temporary halt to Lemos’ MMA career, and she had to serve the full suspension period before being eligible to compete again.
During her time away from the octagon, Lemos focused on her training and made the necessary adjustments to come back stronger than ever. Her dedication and perseverance paid off, and she was finally able to make her long-awaited return to the UFC after completing her suspension.
Success in Strawweight Division
After serving her suspension, Amanda Lemos made the decision to move down to the Strawweight division in the UFC. This move proved to be a smart one, as Lemos quickly made a statement with her successful strawweight debut in December 2019. Facing Miranda Granger, Lemos showcased her skills and secured a victory with a technical submission, further establishing herself as a rising star in the division.
Since then, Lemos has continued to impress with her performances in the Strawweight division. She has faced tough opponents such as Mizuki Inoue, Lívia Renata Souza, and Montserrat Ruiz, and has come out victorious in each bout. Lemos has displayed her versatility as a fighter, with impressive knockout power and a strong submission game. Her ability to finish fights in different ways makes her a threat to any opponent she faces.
With her consistent success, Lemos has climbed up the rankings in the Strawweight division. As of September 2023, she is currently ranked #4 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings. This ranking is a testament to her skills and her ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. While Lemos faced a loss in her most recent fight against Zhang Weili for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship, she has proven herself as a worthy competitor in the division and remains a fighter to watch in the world of MMA.
Recent Fights and Rankings
In July 2022, Amanda Lemos secured a significant victory over Michelle Waterson in an intense battle. Lemos showcased her skills by applying a guillotine choke submission in the second round, earning her first Performance of the Night bonus. This impressive win solidified her position as a top contender in the UFC women’s strawweight division.
As of September 2023, Amanda Lemos holds an impressive rank of #4 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings. Her consistent performances and notable victories have propelled her into the upper echelons of the division. Despite a recent loss to Zhang Weili in the pursuit of the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship, Lemos remains a fierce competitor to watch out for.
