Yazmin Jauregui thinks the UFC women’s strawweight title could change hands again.
The unbeaten prospect wouldn’t be surprised if come August, there’s a new champion in her division. Brazil’s Amanda Lemos challenges champion Zhang Weili in the co-main event of UFC 292 in Boston on Aug. 19. Keeping a close eye on the division, the matchup was a fight that was on Jauregui’s mind.
“I’ve been thinking about it, even before this fight was booked,” Jauregui told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I’ve been looking at Lemos and thought she was next to fight for the title because she’s a tough rival. She’s very strong, she has several fights won by KO, she’s got some trajectory now, and I’m really excited to watch this fight.”
Jauregui sees both fighters having different advantages over each other. She sees Weili as the more complete fighter, but perhaps Lemos as the more dangerous.
“Honestly, I think Lemos is going to give her war,” Jauregui said. “Weili is very fast, she’s very aggressive, but she needs to be very intelligent because Lemos has a punch, and she’s strong. So if Weili doesn’t keep focused, a punch could wobble her.
“Weili is very complete, but she needs to be very intelligent here. The truth is that Lemos hits hard and she’s got good boxing. If Weili buys into the exchanges and aggressiveness, she could eat a punch. She needs to be smart. But again, Weili is very complete. I can’t miss that fight.”
As far as a prediction, Jaregui is on the fence. She respects the champion, but wouldn’t be surprised if Lemos takes the belt.
“Man, that’s a tough one,” Jauregui said. “I think Lemos could win. Lemos has a hard punch, but we’ll have to see how the fight goes on the ground. Weili is looking good. I think it was against Carla Esparza that she wrestled and wrestled well. She’s complete, but Lemos is super strong. I think she’s ready for this moment and could take the win.”
Jauregui (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) returns to the octagon in search of her third UFC win Saturday at UFC 290. She takes on Denise Gomes (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) on the preliminary card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 290.
