Virna Jandiroba enters UFC 321 as the top-ranked strawweight contender and one of the most technically refined grapplers in women’s MMA. A former Invicta FC Champion, Jandiroba has carved her path toward UFC gold through elite jiu-jitsu, composure under pressure, and constant improvement in her striking. As she prepares for a high-stakes rematch with Mackenzie Dern for the vacant UFC Strawweight Championship, here are her three most defining performances leading into the title bout.
1. Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC 314 (Miami)
In one of her most complete performances, Jandiroba neutralized elite striker Yan Xiaonan with relentless pressure and precise cage control. Mixing level changes with smart distance management, she dictated the pace from start to finish and secured a dominant unanimous-decision victory. The win proved her ability to handle technical strikers while maintaining her grappling threat, elevating her to number-one contender status.
2. Jandiroba vs. Amanda Lemos – UFC on ESPN 60 (Las Vegas)
Against former title challenger Amanda Lemos, Jandiroba delivered a statement performance that showcased her world-class submission arsenal. After establishing control on the mat, she transitioned smoothly into a second-round armbar finish — earning a Performance of the Night bonus. The victory served as a reminder that few in the division can survive extended grappling exchanges with her.
3. Jandiroba vs. Loopy Godinez – UFC on ESPN 54 (Atlantic City)
Facing the surging Loopy Godinez, Jandiroba demonstrated her evolution as a complete mixed martial artist. She used effective striking combinations to complement her clinch work and ground control, ultimately cruising to a unanimous-decision win. The performance reinforced her consistency against pressure-heavy opponents and highlighted the balance between her technical discipline and physical strength.