The phenomenal UFC 280 card continues to get better and has another top-tier fight added to it. Strawweight contenders Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Lemos are set to clash in a pivotal clash which could determine the next 115lbs contender. It was first reported by Combate’s, Raphael Marinho.
Rodriguez vs. Lemos
Marina Rodriguez is enjoying a brilliant run of form as of late, winning her last four bouts including two main event slots. She holds wins over Yan Xiaonan, Amanda Ribas and Tecia Torres. Her only promotional loss came at the hands of the current champion, Carla Esparza, albeit by split decision. Ranked #3, Rodriguez is unlucky not to be in the title conversation already. She will have to knock off her fellow Brazillian, Lemos, before she gets a shot at UFC gold.
From #DWCS to one of the top strawweight contenders.
Look back at Marina Rodriguez (@wmmarz)'s @UFC journey so far ⤵️:https://t.co/9cKPjjmydJ
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 13, 2022
Lemos only competed last weekend, finishing Michelle Waterson-Gomez in the second round via guillotine, earning a performance of the night in the process. She rebounded from a loss in her first main event slot where she was finished by standing arm-triangle at the hands of Jessica Andrade back in April. She has heavy hands, a solid ground game and having previously competed at 135lbs, is big for the weight class. If she can get the better of Rodriguez, it may be a fast track to a title shot for Lemos.
UFC 280
Headlining the UFC 280 card will be a lightweight title bout between Charles Oliveria and Islam Makhachev. In what promises to be a banger for as long as it lasts, someone’s winning run must come to an end.
The co-main event is rumoured to feature a bantamweight title clash between Aljamain Sterling and the former champion, TJ Dillashaw. The bout was originally scheduled for UFC 279, however, has since been moved.
Another bantamweight clash has also recently been added to the card between former champion, Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley. It will be without doubt O’Malley’s toughest test and for Yan, there’s a potential for another title shot with a win.
Lightweights Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot are also on deck. Similar to the main event, this one is a fight that will mean that one man loses his winning run. The winner of this one will potentially be in line for a shot at whoever wins in the main event.
Welterweight contenders, Sean Brady and Belal Muhammad were booked for the card before anyone else. Similar to the two other none title fights on the card, the winner of this one could see themselves realise a title opportunity next.
Check out a full breakdown of the card in our most recent podcast:
