LAS VEGAS – Virna Jandiroba beat Kanako Murata with a second-round injury TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC on ESPN 25 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Jandiroba, who has all three of her UFC wins by stoppage.
Virna Jandiroba vs. Kanako Murata
Result: Virna Jandiroba def. Kanako Murata via TKO (injury) – Round 2, 5:00
Updated records: Jandiroba (17-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Murata (12-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stat: With 13 submissions to her name, Jandiroba picked up the first TKO win of her career – though ironically, it came courtesy of damage she did in a submission attempt.
Jandiroba on the fight’s key moment
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 19: (L-R) Virna Jandiroba of Brazil punches Kanako Murata of Japan in a strawweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“The end was a big surprise because I was under the impression I could get a submission. I’ve trained so much on my striking, so maybe I could get a knockout. But I never expected what happened, that she got hurt and it had to stop a round later. That was weird. I hope she is feeling better.”
The punches are flying early in RD 1! 🤯 #UFCVegas29 pic.twitter.com/dlzgHJGHJ0
— UFC (@ufc) June 19, 2021
Jandiroba on her evolution
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 19: (R-L) Kanako Murata of Japan battles Virna Jandiroba of Brazil in a strawweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“I’m very happy. I’m now back to my winning ways. I’ve trained a lot on my striking. I was hoping to show it this time.”
Right on the mark 🎯#UFCVegas29 pic.twitter.com/EH2klvKHTO
— UFC (@ufc) June 19, 2021
Jandiroba on what she wants next
“I respect my fellow fighters in the division, but I think it’s time for me to get a top-10 opponent. Looking at the rankings, I noticed that Nina Nunes is one of the few that is available. I respect her a lot and admire her, but it’s time I get a step up in the ranking.”
To hear more from Jandiroba, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.