Virna Jandiroba, born on May 30, 1988, is a formidable MMA fighter hailing from Serrinha, Bahia, Brazil. Having made a name for herself in the strawweight division of the UFC, Virna is a force to be reckoned with. With a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, she brings a dynamic skill set to the Octagon.
Standing at 5 ft 3 in tall and weighing 115 lb, Virna has proven herself as a fierce competitor. Her professional career, which began in 2013, boasts an impressive record of 19 wins and 3 losses. As of September 19, 2023, she is ranked #6 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings.
Virna Jandiroba’s journey in the world of MMA has been filled with accomplishments and noteworthy moments. From her early career in Brazil to her Invicta Fighting Championships Strawweight title and her notable victories in the UFC, she has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world.
Early Career and Invicta Fighting Championships
Virna Jandiroba’s journey in martial arts began at a young age, starting with kung fu before transitioning to Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With hard work and dedication, she earned her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and entered the world of professional MMA in 2013. Initially, her fights took place primarily in Brazil, where she showcased her skills and quickly gained attention.
Boasting an undefeated record of 11-0, Jandiroba’s talent caught the eye of Invicta Fighting Championships, a prominent all-female MMA organization. Making her Invicta debut on December 8, 2017, she faced off against Amy Montenegro and emerged victorious with a first-round armbar submission. This win set the stage for her rise in the strawweight division.
On March 24, 2018, Jandiroba proved her mettle by defeating Mizuki Inoue via split decision, securing the Invicta strawweight championship. Displaying her well-rounded skills and determination, she successfully defended her title against Janaisa Morandin on September 1, 2018, with a second-round submission.
The Early Career and Invicta Fighting Championships highlight:
- Jandiroba’s early martial arts journey, transitioning from kung fu to Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Her undefeated record of 11-0 before joining Invicta Fighting Championships.
- Her debut victory in Invicta against Amy Montenegro via first-round armbar submission.
- Winning the Invicta strawweight championship by defeating Mizuki Inoue via split decision.
- Successful title defense against Janaisa Morandin with a second-round submission.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Debut
Virna Jandiroba made her highly anticipated debut in the UFC on April 27, 2019. Stepping in as a replacement for the injured Lívia Renata Souza, Jandiroba faced off against Carla Esparza at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson. The fight went the distance, with Esparza ultimately securing the win by unanimous decision.
Although Jandiroba suffered her first professional loss, she believes that her debut fight in the UFC was a pivotal moment in her career. She recognizes that the experience against an elite opponent like Esparza propelled her growth and set the stage for her subsequent successes in the promotion.
“The Esparza fight was a tough challenge for me, but it taught me valuable lessons. It fueled my fire and pushed me to become a better fighter,” Jandiroba shared during an interview. “I knew I had to make adjustments and refine my skills. I had to prove myself in the UFC, and that loss only made me more determined.”
Learning and Growth
Jandiroba’s UFC debut may have been marked by a loss, but it served as a catalyst for her improvement. Learning from the experience, she quickly bounced back and showcased her talents in subsequent fights, proving that she was a force to be reckoned with.
Jandiroba’s journey in the UFC is a testament to her resilience and determination. With each fight, she continues to evolve as a fighter, constantly adapting her strategies and refining her skills. Her debut may not have gone as planned, but it laid the foundation for her future triumphs in the promotion.
Notable UFC Victories
Since her debut loss in the UFC, Virna Jandiroba has showcased her skills and resilience with several impressive victories in the octagon. These notable wins have solidified her position as a top contender in the strawweight division.
One of Jandiroba’s standout victories came on December 7, 2019, when she faced Mallory Martin. In the second round of the fight, Jandiroba secured a submission victory, showcasing her exceptional grappling skills.
Another memorable triumph for Jandiroba occurred on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252. She faced Felice Herrig and wasted no time, earning a Performance of the Night bonus with a first-round armbar submission. This victory further established Jandiroba as a threat in the division.
Jandiroba faced tough competition in Mackenzie Dern on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256. Although she lost the fight via unanimous decision, Jandiroba demonstrated her ability to go toe-to-toe with top-ranked opponents.
On June 19, 2021, Jandiroba faced Kanako Murata and secured a TKO victory after the doctor stopped the fight due to an elbow dislocation caused by Jandiroba’s devastating armbar. This win highlighted her technical proficiency and determination.
In her most recent victory on May 14, 2022, Jandiroba faced Angela Hill in a hard-fought battle. Jandiroba was able to secure a unanimous decision victory, showcasing her well-rounded skills and ability to adapt to different opponents.
Recent Win Against Marina Rodriguez
Virna Jandiroba secured a significant victory in her most recent fight against Marina Rodriguez at UFC 288 on May 6, 2023. In a highly anticipated matchup, Jandiroba showcased her exceptional skills and determination, emerging victorious by unanimous decision. The win further solidified her position as a top contender in the strawweight division.
Jandiroba’s performance against Rodriguez demonstrated her versatility as a fighter. Throughout the intense three-round battle, she displayed her expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and striking techniques. Implementing a well-rounded strategy, Jandiroba effectively countered Rodriguez’s attacks while imposing her own offensive game plan.
The fight against Rodriguez exemplified Jandiroba’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges inside the Octagon. She exhibited exceptional resilience and composure, weathering Rodriguez’s relentless onslaught to deliver calculated strikes and takedowns. Jandiroba’s dominant control on the ground and precision striking ultimately secured her the unanimous decision victory, leaving no doubt about her capabilities as a formidable competitor.
Championship and Accomplishments
Virna Jandiroba has achieved notable accomplishments throughout her MMA career. One of her significant achievements is being the former Invicta Fighting Championships Strawweight champion. She showcased her skills and determination in defending her title against Janaisa Morandin. Jandiroba’s dominance in the Invicta organization solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division.
In addition to her championship victory, Jandiroba has been recognized for her impressive performances inside the Octagon. She received the Performance of the Night bonus twice for her submission wins against Amy Montenegro and Janaisa Morandin. These accolades highlight her exceptional grappling skills and her ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion.
