Amanda Lemos Lays Down Tracks for an Upset

Amanda Lemos values legacy. “I want to leave my name in the history of the UFC for future generations,” she said. The Brazilian’s latest endeavor figures to play a significant role in determining her place in the eyes of those who are to follow in her footsteps someday.

The Marajo Brothers Team rep will challenge Weili Zhang for the undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s strawweight title in the UFC 292 co-main event this Saturday at the TD Garden in Boston. Lemos, 36, has rattled off seven wins across her past eight outings, an arm-triangle choke submission loss to Jessica Andrade her lone misstep.

“I went through a lot to get to this moment, but I was never in a hurry,” she said. “I was never desperate for the belt. I knew I had to walk my path. That’s what I did. I let things play out naturally—on God’s time.”

Zhang owns a 7-2 record in the UFC, having lost only to Rose Namajunas. The 34-year-old Black Tiger Fight Club product last fought at UFC 281, where she reclaimed the 115-pound title with a second-round rear-naked choke submission of Carla Esparza on Nov. 12. Zhang boasts 19 finishes among her 23 career victories, 11 of them inside one round. Lemos understands the task ahead of her.

“I’m ready to fight Weili,” she said. “Few of her wins have been my decision, same as me. She loves to bang it out like I do. I will impose my game. We have a great strategy. We repeatedly watched her fights, and we’re working with her flaws in mind. Likewise, we watched my own fights to correct my own mistakes so they won’t happen against her.”

Lemos enters the cage on the heels of back-to-back victories. She last competed on Nov. 5, when she took apart Marina Rodriguez with punches in the third round of their UFC Fight Night 214 pairing. Lemos makes a concerted effort never to rest on her laurels.

“I always bring new weapons,” she said. “I always look to learn more and evolve. My coaches are focused on that and on correcting my past shortcomings. Every opponent requires a different strategy. I always bring something new. Going into this fight, I’m much more complete. I’m feeling great with my striking, jiu-jitsu and wrestling.”

Confidence will not be an issue.

“The belt is coming back with me to Brazil,” Lemos said. “I’m sure of it.”