Virna Jandiroba has solidified her position as the top contender in the UFC strawweight division following a masterful grappling display that outclassed Yan Xiaonan. Now holding the #1 ranking, the former Invicta FC champion is riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, extending her run with the victory at UFC 314 on April 12. Her recent wins include a key submission over Amanda Lemos and decision victories against notable opponents like Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, and Lupita Godinez.
With this dominant streak, Jandiroba firmly believes her next fight must be for the championship against the reigning queen, Zhang Weili. She stated, “If not now, honestly… There’s nothing left to be done. I think [I’m next]. Definitely. It’s the longest winning streak at strawweight, five in a row, so there’s nothing else. I’ve fought every fight the UFC asked me to do, and I was patient.”
Jandiroba highlighted her patience, mentioning how Tatiana Suarez received a title shot opportunity after their scheduled fight fell through. Despite rumors of Zhang potentially moving up to flyweight, Jandiroba remains confident in her spot as the undeniable next challenger. She emphasized that she didn`t just wait, but actively fought the previous #1 contender, Yan Xiaonan, to earn her current position. Feeling relaxed and assured, she is now ready to wait for the official call, utilizing the time to further hone her skills.
Acknowledging that Zhang has defended her title roughly once a year since reclaiming it, Jandiroba is prepared to wait as long as necessary for her shot at the belt. She views any potential delay as an opportunity for extended training camps to evolve as a fighter. Jandiroba boasts a professional record where 14 of her 22 victories have come via submission, a stark contrast to Zhang Weili, who has never been submitted in her MMA career.
Preparing for a potential five-round war against the powerful Chinese champion, Jandiroba is focused on strategic adjustments. She draws upon her experience in five-round fights from her Invicta FC days and recent training preparations, asserting that she has been ready for this championship moment for a considerable time. With her credentials clear, Jandiroba leaves the decision on timing squarely with the UFC.
