The UFC keeps on with its weekly schedule, with another Fight Night card out of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with this card currently billed at twelve bouts in total.

In the main event former Strawweight champ Jessica Andrade moves back down to 115 pounds, seeking to reclaim her throne. To get to that title shot, she will first need to go through a surging contender in Amanda Lemos, who has claimed victory in her last five outings.

Amanda Lemos vs. Jessica Andrade (FLW)

After losing her UFC debut in 2017, Amanda Lemos (11-1-1, 5-1 UFC) returned in 2019 with a vengance, rattling off five straight wins to get to this point. Among those victories are three first round finishes, two of them being vicious knockouts. Lemos is a punishing Muay Thai striker with a variety of weapons in her arsenal, though her quick counters are especially dangerous. She operates at a 58% accuracy and averages over five significant strikes per minute, putting an aggressive pace on her opponents. She is no slouch on the mat, however, with stout takedown defense and two submission victories, as well as holding some offensive grappling in her back pocket. Lemos is an offensive machine, though her cardio has shown room for concern.

Jessica Andrade (22-9, 12-7 UFC) made a successful Flyweight debut, knocking out Katlyn Chookagian with a ferocious body shot. She was unable to get past Valentina Shevchenko in her 125 pound title bid, losing via third round TKO. However, she got back on track with a first round knockout of Cynthia Calvilla, before deciding she would move back to 115 pounds. Although standing at a mere 5’1, she was a feared contender even at Bantamweight, but since her move to Strawweight she has torn through almost everyone, going 5-3 with her only losses to former champions. The 28-year-old Brazilian has one punch KO power, uncommon for the lighter weight classes and a talented BJJ background which she built her striking off of. Her greatest struggle has been volume strikers who can piece her up from distance, as we saw with both Joanna and Thug Rose in the match Andrade finished with a killer slam, pictured right. She is primarily a threat when able to close range with her hooks and takedown attempts.

As well-rounded as both these fighters are, there is a clear reason this was booked for the main event slot: we are due for a striking war. Both fighters fight at a high pace and constantly hunt for the knockout, a trait not often seen at 115 pounds. Lemos is the far more technical striker, and she also fights with more versatility in the stand up, particularly when utilizing her kicks. She will also benefit from height and reach advantages, though that is something Andrade is used to working around. I expect Lemos to start to pull away in the early going, but see Andrade’s toughness and experience pulling her through for a late knockout, or club and sub.

My Pick: Jessica Andrade via Knockout

Clay Guida vs. Claudio Puelles (LW)

My Pick: Claudio Puelles via Decision

Alexandr Romanov vs. Chase Sherman (HW)

My Pick: Alexandr Romanov via Submission

Maycee Barber vs. Montana de la Rosa (FLW)

My Pick: Maycee Barber via Decision

Su Mudaerji vs. Manel Kape (FLW)

My Pick: Su Mudaerji via Decision

Charles Jourdain vs. Lando Vannata (FTW)

My Pick: Lando Vannata via Decision

The event kicks off at 6 PM EST, with the main card starting at 9.