Women’s Strawweights
#11 WSW | Amanda Lemos (10-1-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. #12 WSW | Angela Hill (13-10, 8-10 UFC)ODDS: Lemos (-380), Hill (+315)
Strawweight has long been the deepest of the women’s divisions in the UFC, and Lemos is quickly making a name for herself as a potential contender. Lemos easily could have been forgotten after her UFC debut. A bantamweight at the time, the Brazilian stepped in to face Leslie Smith in 2017, lost a one-sided bout and then was handed a two-year drug suspension. It raised some eyebrows when it was announced that Lemos’ 2019 return would come all the way down at 115 pounds, but the change has paid clear dividends. Lemos has looked like an absolute powerhouse at strawweight through four fights, finishing three of her opponents within the first round. The caveat is that none of Lemos’ opponents thus far have been physically imposing themselves at 115 pounds, so Hill provides a strong litmus test for the Brazilian’s status as a true contender. Save for her 2014 pro debut and a 2016 stint in Invicta Fighting Championships, Hill’s entire career has taken place inside the Octagon, and it has been a pleasure to watch her go from inexperienced prospect to well-rounded veteran. Coming from a striking background, Hill struggled for years to properly manage her gas tank, but the last few years of her career have seen her learn to pace herself to the point that she has been effective over the course of five-round main events. However, the issue for Hill has been finding big round-winning moments during those consistent performances. “Overkill” has a resume dotted with split decision losses that easily could have gone her way, including 2020 bouts against Claudia Gadelha and Michelle Waterson that could have vaulted her into contention. Hill is not a standout athlete, but she is by far the stoutest test of Lemos’ strawweight run to date and should be able to drag the Brazilian into her deepest waters yet. Lemos’ newfound power mostly shines through in her big single strikes, and Hill has shown about as strong a chin as anyone at 115 pounds. With that said, Lemos should be able to find some success with her wrestling, and even if she winds up tiring while trying to keep up with Hill’s pace, she should be able to bank rounds early with the type of big offensive moments that the American has struggled to make happen thus far. The pick is Lemos via decision.
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