A title shot could be up for grabs on Saturday night, as top-three women’s strawweights Tatiana Suarez and Virna Jandiroba collide in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker inside the Meta APEX.
Suarez (13–1 MMA, 9–1 UFC) has won two in a row following her February 2025 title loss to Zhang Weili, most recently submitting Loopy Godinez in the second round at UFC 327 in April. That same month, Jandiroba (23–4 MMA, 9–4 UFC) bounced back from her October 2025 title loss to Mackenzie Dern with a unanimous-decision win over Tabatha Ricci.
Suarez enters as a -205 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Jandiroba is a +170 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Tatiana Suarez vs. Virna Jandiroba Fight Preview
Tatiana Suarez (#2)
- 13–1 MMA (9–1 UFC)
- 2–0 (T)KO
- 7–0 SUB
Tatiana Suarez has returned with a vengeance since suffering her first — and only — pro loss to dominant former champion Zhang Weili. The California native has responded with back-to-back wins: she took a unanimous decision over Amanda Lemos before handing Loopy Godinez her first career stoppage loss earlier this year.
Suarez, 35, will likely continue leaning on her suffocating wrestling pressure against Virna Jandiroba. While her opponent has formidable grappling in her own right, Suarez could lean on her size and age advantages — as well as her unmatched tenacity — to lead the dance on the ground.
Virna Jandiroba (#3)
- 23–4 MMA (9–4 UFC)
- 1–0 (T)KO
- 14–0 SUB
Virna Jandiroba is eager to re-enter the title equation, with her championship window creeping shut. Despite coming off a decision win over Tabatha Ricci earlier this year, the 38-year-old veteran has little room for error after her UD loss to Mackenzie Dern for the vacant belt at UFC 321 last year.
Even so, “Carcara” remains a dangerous opponent, with high-level jiu-jitsu and a lethal submission game. While she may not have as clear a grappling advantage as she’s typically accustomed to on Saturday night, Jandiroba’s recent form suggests she can hold her own. She has won six of her last seven fights since May 2022, including a pair of 2024 victories over Amanda Lemos and Loopy Godinez — both of Suarez’s latest wins.
Tatiana Suarez vs. Virna Jandiroba Pick, Best Bet
Tatiana Suarez’s only professional loss came against arguably the greatest women’s strawweight of all time — and 38-year-old Virna Jandiroba is not quite at that level. In an expected grappling battle, Suarez holds the edge in size, age, and overall output. While a stoppage is unlikely — neither fighter has ever been finished — Suarez should have the tools to impose her wrestling and get her hand raised.
