UFC Vegas 64: UFC Apex; Las Vegas
For the lightest division in the UFC, there certainly is a lot of explosive power at the top of 115. While champion Carla Esparza can wrestle you to death, she has her hands full next week with the super explosive Weili Zhang. And now you can definitely add another to the list of women with TNT in their gloves. For Amanda Lemos is on the move.
If there was just one pound-for-pound list; it wouldn’t be crazy to have at least three straw-weights on it (ie: Zhang, Andrade, Xiaonan Yan, Lemos). It takes something to do what she did to Marina Rodriguez. And after her eighth knockout coming at 54 seconds of round-three; she made it clear to Dana White what she wants next:
“Put me in as backup for the title fight in New York”.
But despite what she did, and her gifts she does leave something to be desired. She was willing early despite controlling the center of the octagon to have the fight stay at a kicking range. Lemos also has at least in the past had the opposite problem. Coming in in a bull rush and get sloppy with her striking.
And that is with her being in the upper echelon of the division’s history in two areas. Shortest average fight time, and third-highest strike accuracy.
Lemos On The Move, But Does She Get A Title Shot Next
Probably not. Now on a two-fight win streak she still has not faced any former UFC champions, or any title contenders. Mind you that’s not completely her fault. But if “Amandinha” wants a go at the strap, the 35-year old Brazilian still needs to do a bit more.
That’s why although coming off of a loss; Lemos’ next opponent should be Rose Namajunas. If past continues to the future, Lemos and Rodriguez will flip-flop spots in the rankings. And Lemos at three, might not be interested in fighting down, like Rodriguez did here. That’s why “Thug Rose” makes sense. Lemos has very active flurries, but Rose’s slow pace would test her. Although Namajunas will have to be wary of some serious power coming inside. On the ground, and especially on the feet.
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